Do you often wonder what a fulfilling life looks like? Look around. Everywhere, society often prioritizes material success, fame, and pleasure above all else.
But what if I told you there was another way? A way that prioritizes love, compassion, and serving others. And that by following Jesus, you can unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose, even in a world that doesn’t always value those things. Here’s how:
When I decided to leave my secure corporate job to serve in Cambodia, I had to let go of most of my possessions: furniture, my mountain bike, kitchen appliances, books, and clothes.
But as I sat on the plane leaving Switzerland, a sense of relief washed over me. I had just sold most of my belongings, and it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. In that moment, I realized something important: I didn’t need all that stuff to be happy and fulfilled. As I embarked on my new adventure in Cambodia, I felt liberated, free to explore a new culture and way of life with a lighter load. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes less really is more.
If you want to live a truly fulfilling life, you need to look beyond temporary sources of happiness and focus on something deeper and more meaningful.
That’s where Jesus comes in. Jesus offers a way of life that is centered on love, compassion, and serving others. When you make Jesus the center of your life, you begin to see the world through a different lens. Instead of focusing on what you can get out of life, you start to focus on what you can give.
One of the reasons that Jesus is the key to a fulfilling life is because He provides us with a sense of direction and purpose. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we begin to understand our place in the world and how we can best serve others. We start to see our lives as part of a bigger picture, and we begin to recognize the unique gifts and talents that God has given us. By using these gifts to serve others, we can find true fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
Another reason that Jesus is the key to a fulfilling life is because he offers us hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Life can be hard, but when we have faith in Jesus, we have the support and encouragement of a loving God who is with us every step of the way.
Mother Teresa found true fulfillment through her faith in Jesus. “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world,” she said. By putting Jesus at the center of your life, you too can experience the joy, purpose, and fulfillment that come from living a life of love, compassion, and service.
Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt 6:33)
Living a fulfilling life as a Christian is easier said than done. Here are some common challenges:
When everyone around you is focused on material possessions, success, and external validation, it can be hard to prioritize your faith. You might feel pressure to conform to the world’s standards, even if they go against what you believe.
We all have our own weaknesses and struggles, and the world can be a tempting place. It’s easy to get caught up in unhealthy behaviors, whether it’s substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, or other vices.
Depending on where you live, you may be persecuted for your beliefs. We live in a constant battle. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
I often found it difficult to remind myself of that truth while living in Switzerland. During the week, at school and later at work, I would feel like the odd guy who still believes in God in these modern days. One Monday morning, I was feeling particularly fulfilled after an amazing weekend with my church. When a work colleague asked me how my weekend was, I told him all the fun stuff we did without mentioning anything about my church or my faith.
Later in the day, I thought, “Why was I afraid to mention that? Why do I leave God out? He is the one who gives me that profound sense of fulfillment and joy.”
So, how can we overcome these challenges and stay committed to our faith?
The first step is to surround ourselves with a community of like-minded believers. Being part of a supportive Christian community can provide us with the encouragement and accountability we need to stay true to our faith.
This means spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church regularly. When we make time for God in our lives, we become more grounded in our faith and better able to resist temptation and peer pressure.
Finally, it’s important to be intentional about our choices and actions. We need to actively seek out opportunities to serve others and live out our faith in practical ways. This might mean volunteering at a local charity, being kind to others, or standing up for what we believe in.
The former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow said, “I’m just a normal person who has been blessed with an incredible platform to share my faith and inspire others to live for Christ.” Tim Tebow became known for his outspoken faith on and off the field, famously inscribing Bible verses on his eyelashes during games.
Let’s look at a few practical ways to make Jesus a priority in your life.
Set aside time for Jesus each day by spending a few minutes in prayer and meditation in the morning or before bed, as well as reading the Bible or other devotional literature. The idea is to know Jesus fully and deeply.
Attend church regularly. The church provides a sense of community and support, and it can be a great place to learn more about Jesus and deepen your understanding of the Bible. If you’re not sure where to start, try visiting a few different churches in your area to find one that feels like a good fit. If you don’t have any churches where you live, try to find an online church.
One night, in my church small group, we were enjoying delicious raclette, a traditional Swiss dish where they pour melted cheese over potatoes, and my friend shot me a sneaky smile. Without a word, I knew what she meant: it was time for an eating contest. Of course, I was up for the challenge, so we started wolfing down cheesy potatoes and clinking our glasses of white wine. It was hilarious!
How can you live out your faith? Volunteer at a local charity or help out a neighbor in need. By serving others, we demonstrate the love and compassion that Jesus taught us and make a positive impact in the world.
Finally, it's important to stay committed to your faith, even when it’s difficult. There will be times when it feels like the world is working against you and your values, but remember that Jesus is always with you. Lean on your faith community for support and guidance, and don’t be afraid to seek out help if you need it.
Living a fulfilling life as a Christian can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. But is it worth it? Well, a more important question is: Is Jesus worthy? As for Jesus, He has promised, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
