For those of us who know the Lord, who have been forgiven and saved, we owe a lot to the One who has saved us. Our lives once had no meaning, no purpose beyond temporary physical gratification. Now that we have heeded the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him into our lives, we have a greater purpose.

With salvation comes hope and peace - and a price. Jesus gave His life on the cross as payment for our sins. In turn, we are called to give our lives to Jesus. It's a small price to pay when you consider what our lives were before - hopeless and void of purpose. But, despite this, it's all too easy to become caught up in this world and lose site of heavenly goal.

I struggle with living for myself. My flesh tells me that I deserve to be entertained and have certain luxuries. But I know that my life is not my own and as I let Jesus take control He leads me down a more selfless path, a path of self denial, where His will reigns.

There are so many people suffering, people who don't know and have never heard about Jesus Christ. Not that knowing Jesus doesn't mean the suffering will stop, it means that if you suffer, it pales in comparison to the hope we now have as children of God.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

Romans 8:18-19

Knowing that I was saved from a reckless path of destruction to the great hope I now have, I must constantly remind myself not to become complacent, or become too absorbed in the things of earth. I must set my eyes on heaven, and the things of heaven, and the will of my Heavenly Father.

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:6