Looking For Yourself?

I recently read another story of someone’s search for their roots. Syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts made a trip to Africa, as he put it, “Looking for heritage.”

I don't fault anyone who is curious about their heritage, but in the grand scope of eternity, where you have come from means very little. What really matters is where are you now…and where you are going.

By the grace of God, I am going to spend eternity in heaven. This never ceases to amaze me. Despite the fact that I am a sinful, flawed, short-tempered, moody, sometimes foul-mouthed and often unpleasant person, I have been invited into the Kingdom of God.

Imagine a schmuck like me being adopted by the creator of the universe! This is not because of anything good in me, but because of his great love and mercy. And since he is no respecter of persons, God extends this invitation of eternal life to anyone who will turn to him, in humility and respect, and seek his forgiveness.

If you are searching for the meaning of your life; If you are trying to find yourself; If you want to know your purpose and your destiny — there is only one place to go, and that is to the throne of God, the creator of YOU, who holds the answers to all of your questions about life. The only way to really find yourself is to find HIM, and let him take over the management of your life.

The Bible tells us that we are all born with a sinful nature, and that it is impossible for us to please God. We are lost, and separated from God by our sin. Hell is our default destination. That is why Jesus took it upon himself to become one of us, to live among us, to suffer and die for us. Jesus took the debt of our sin upon himself. His suffering and sacrifice satisfied God's judgment against us.

The only way to get to heaven is to follow Jesus there. Because of his unique access to the Father, there is no other way for us to be accepted by God. That is why he made such emphatic statements like, "No one comes to the Father except through me," and, "Unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

This kind of talk makes a lot of people mad. We are stubborn creatures, and we want to do things our own way. We don't like anybody, even God, telling us what to do. It almost sounds un-American, giving up your independence like that. That's why so many people try to pretend that God doesn't exist. They just don't want to admit that he's the boss - perhaps if they ignore him, he will just leave them alone.

Others think that somehow they can earn their way to heaven if their good deeds outnumber their sins and they try to "live a good life." But to think this way is akin to mocking Jesus while he hung on the cross. He did not allow himself to be crucified on a whim. He endured that awful torture because he knew it was the only thing that could save us. It is the ultimate insult to God to discount the salvation that Jesus suffered so much to purchase for us.

There is only one logical thing for you to do. Stop whatever your're doing, right now, and do some serious business with God before it is too late. It is time for you to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.

Coming to Jesus means that you admit you need His forgiveness. You make a commitment that you want to follow him. When you repent, and give your life to him, his spirit comes to live within you, and you are born again. He forgives every sin that was held against you, and guarantees your citizenship in heaven. Not because you deserve it, but because Jesus paid a debt that you could not afford.

As if that wasn't enough, Jesus also promises to walk with you and guide your life. He sticks with you, as your Savior and Lord, for all of eternity. If you are wise enough to obediently follow him, he will lead you into a life that is filled with purpose and service.

Your walk with Christ will take you through sorrows and joys, trials and victories, and persecution for the sake of His name. Is it easy? No. Is it always fun? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Jesus once said, “For everyone who tries to save his life will lose it; but he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”