Those who come through me will be saved…my purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:8,10b

A lifestyle of their choosing–it’s what people increasingly say they want out of life.

“The Purpose of Your Life Is to Choose a Lifestyle,” one blog declared.[1] Does your lifestyle give your life meaning? Or is this just our age-old obsession of being masters of our own destinies? Self-determination, wealth, health and relationships are all things that we look to for meaning and purpose–and every one of those things will change over time. Sometimes, they drop right out from under us.

In contrast stands Jesus Christ, who, Scripture says, “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). To lifestyle searchers, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 15:7). “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again” (John 6:35). He is the giver of something called “living water” and says that “those who drink the water that I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring… giving…eternal life” (John 4:13).

Jesus isn’t offering a lifestyle. He offers a life of meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction, now and for eternity. But be warned: the life of following Jesus isn’t an easy one.  His life comes through the surrender of your “lifestyle.” “You cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own,” He said (Luke 14:33). It’s a very good exchange.  Describing Himself as a gate, Jesus said, “Those who come through me will be saved…my purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:8,10b).

Exchange your lifestyle in exchange for His life.

[1]Denning, T. (2020, September 30). The purpose of your life is to choose a lifestyle. Medium. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from medium.com/the-ascent/the-purpose-of-your-life-is-to-choose-a-lifestyle-42116f8c1674