“It’s not about you.” Many people could probably name a well-known book that begins with that “smack-you-to-the-core” statement.

The last few weeks I’ve been pondering what’s most important to God. If our lives are all about him, what is He all about? Obviously, that first sentence doesn’t apply to God, because it IS all about Him. 

Could it be that in the greatest love story of all time, the author of time has placed you and me in the front and center of His mind and heart? God gave up everything to reveal Himself to us, to show us the extent He would go to offer His love to us. God put our eternity and souls above his very life when he willing gave it up to make a way for us. He lovingly created us knowing full well He would go to the cross to give us life.

“For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things, like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.”

Jesus traded His life for mine and for yours. We are always on His mind, and He redeemed us for something more, for His plan and purpose, for His glory.

“He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the times for you…”

That right there gives me chills, makes me pause with wonder. Jesus was destined before the beginning of the world and was revealed at just the right time for me. For you. For our neighbors. For that person at work who drives us crazy. For the person who blasphemes His name. For the person who has never heard His name. 

It really is true. We love Him because He first loved us. And, oh, what love it is! It is the kind of love that demands all that we are because He laid it all down for us. 

If we were honest with ourselves in truly understanding what is most important to God, what He is all about, we would HAVE to change. We’d be compelled to stop perpetuating this “empty” life and start pursuing His abundant life. Half-heartedness and selfishness would be kicked to the curb. Excuses would be eliminated. 

It’s time to get over ourselves and embrace God’s mission and His desire. 

I have so much to learn (and confess)! I am SO thankful that God does not give up on me, and continues to passionately love me, even in my sin and apathy. 

Lord, you know just where I’ve been. Light the fire in my heart again!