MOST ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, UNLESS A GRAIN OF WHEAT FALLS INTO THE GROUND AND DIES, IT REMAINS ALONE; BUT IF IT DIES, IT PRODUCES MUCH GRAIN
(John 12:24).

We all, even Christians, like to live our lives our own way. We like to value our own understanding…find our own purpose…seek our own glory. Then, we all struggle with the consequences: a life that does not make sense…a purpose that does not work out…a glory that is never enough. This is a place of hatred, envy, and anger.  It is a place of sadness, murder, and suicide.  It is a place of sin. When we follow this path, we end up alone. But Jesus showed us a new humble lifestyle: to follow Him…to obey His Counsel…TO REMAIN IN GOD’S LOVE.

AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU.  IF YOU OBEY MY COMMANDS, YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY LOVE, JUST AS I HAVE OBEYED MY FATHER’S COMMANDS AND REMAIN IN HIS LOVE.  I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS SO THAT MY JOY MAY BE IN YOU AND THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE
(John 15:9-11).

Beautiful Child, obey My Counsel. Remain in My Love. If you give up your own lifestyle and set your life apart for My use, you will live in My Love, just as I have set My Life apart for My Father’s use to remain in His Love.  If you trade your own perceptions for My Perspective, substitute your own plans for My Purpose, and exchange your own acclaim for My Glory, you will abide in My Love. Leave your own understanding, goals, and honor behind, and follow My Counsel. Then, you will not end up alone, because where I am, there you will be, also…and My Father will honor you.

IF ANYONE SERVES ME, LET HIM FOLLOW ME; AND WHERE I AM, THERE MY SERVANT WILL BE ALSO. IF ANYONE SERVES ME, HIM MY FATHER WILL HONOR
(John 12:26).

Whose understanding do you value? Whose purpose do you seek? Whose glory do you covet? Why?

What will it take for you to leave your own understanding, purpose, and glory behind…to follow Jesus?

PRAYER: Father, I seek Your Glory…Your Honor…Your Praise. Lord Jesus, I want to be where You are. Bring me to the place where it will not be about me anymore, but about YOU—where I will leave behind my own lifestyle, to follow YOU. Then, where You are, there I will be, too.