When “Living My Best Life” Isn’t God’s Best
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’”— Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)
In a world saturated with hashtags like #LivingMyBestLife, we’re often told that the highest goal is personal fulfillment. The message sounds appealing: chase your dreams, pamper yourself, enjoy every comfort, and make sure your happiness is the top priority. But Jesus offers a radically different call: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.
The popular idea of “my best life” tends to focus on what I can get — success, wealth, comfort, adventure. It’s a message that encourages me to build my own kingdom. But Scripture points to a life where true joy and fulfillment come not from getting more but from giving everything to Christ. When Jesus spoke of losing our lives for His sake, He wasn’t calling us to misery but to purposeful sacrifice. His life wasn’t about maximizing comfort; it was about obedience, love, and glorifying the Father. That’s the life we’re called to live — not a “best life” measured by worldly standards but a blessed life anchored in God’s will.
Reflection:
- Have I been chasing a version of “my best life” that prioritizes comfort and success over faithfulness?
- How can I shift my focus from self-fulfillment to Christ-centered purpose?
- What is one area today where I can “lose my life” in service or obedience to God?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to get swept up in the world’s message of self-focus and comfort. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus. Teach me that true life is found in surrender to You, not in chasing after my own version of success. Amen.Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to get swept up in the world’s message of self-focus and comfort. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus. Teach me that true life is found in surrender to You, not in chasing after my own version of success. Amen.