Jesus Over Everything

1. Choose Jesus over everything to simplify your life

We are born homesick, every one of us.

Simplify through prioritization. Putting Jesus first in all aspects of life brings order to chaos and simplifies decision-making. This choice helps eliminate the complications that arise from misplaced priorities and self-centered living. By aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings and example, we can experience greater peace and fulfillment.

Practical application:

• Evaluate daily choices through the lens of "Does this put Jesus first?"
• Regularly declutter physical and mental spaces to focus on what truly matters
• Practice saying "no" to activities or commitments that don't align with your faith priorities

2. Embrace authenticity over appearances for true connection

Real is the best pretty because it doesn't ask you to lie.

Authenticity fosters genuine relationships. Being real about our struggles, imperfections, and journey allows for deeper connections with others and with God. It frees us from the exhausting pursuit of maintaining a perfect image and opens the door to genuine growth and support.

Benefits of authenticity:

• Creates space for others to be real too
• Builds trust and deeper relationships
• Allows for genuine personal growth and spiritual transformation

Practical steps:

• Share vulnerably in safe relationships
• Resist the urge to present a polished image on social media
• Embrace imperfections as opportunities for growth and connection

3. Prioritize love and empathy over judgment

Love is safe. Love is strong[er]. Love is super-sized.

Love transforms lives. Choosing love over judgment aligns us with Jesus' example and creates a safe space for growth and healing. This approach requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to see beyond surface-level behaviors.

Characteristics of love-driven faith:

• Seeks to understand before criticizing
• Offers grace and second chances
• Actively works to support and uplift others

Practical application:

• Practice active listening without immediately offering solutions
• Look for the hurt or need behind difficult behaviors
• Regularly pray for those you find challenging to love

4. Pursue holiness instead of unchecked freedom

In the upside-down kingdom of following Jesus, we choose to be holy over free, and Jesus rewards us by providing more freedom.

Holiness brings true freedom. While our culture often equates freedom with unrestricted choices, true freedom comes from aligning our lives with God's design. Pursuing holiness leads to a life unburdened by the consequences of unchecked desires and brings us into closer relationship with God.

Benefits of pursuing holiness:

• Clearer conscience and reduced internal conflict
• Stronger resistance to temptation
• Deeper intimacy with God

Practical steps:

• Regularly examine habits and choices in light of Scripture
• Seek accountability in areas of struggle
• Practice spiritual disciplines to strengthen your relationship with God

5. Serve others humbly rather than seeking the spotlight

Everything in the kingdom is big because God is big even if God asks us to do a small task.

Service shapes character. Choosing to serve others, even in seemingly small ways, aligns us with Jesus' example and develops humility, compassion, and a kingdom perspective. This approach counters our culture's obsession with fame and self-promotion.

Benefits of service-oriented living:

• Develops empathy and compassion
• Shifts focus from self to others and God
• Creates lasting impact beyond personal recognition

Ways to cultivate a servant's heart:

• Look for daily opportunities to serve without recognition
• Volunteer regularly in your community or church
• Pray for eyes to see the needs of others around you

6. Cultivate steady faith over fleeting spiritual hype

Steady isn't stale.

Consistency builds depth. While emotional spiritual experiences can be powerful, true spiritual growth comes from steady, day-to-day faithfulness. Cultivating a consistent walk with God provides stability in both good times and challenges.

Characteristics of steady faith:

• Rooted in Scripture rather than fleeting emotions
• Perseveres through doubts and difficulties
• Grows deeper over time through consistent practices

Practical application:

• Establish daily habits of prayer and Bible reading
• Commit to a local church community for long-term growth
• Seek mentors who model steady, long-term faithfulness

7. Practice honesty instead of hiding your true self

I wanted a well soul more than anything else, and truth was the only way to get there.

Honesty heals. Hiding our true selves, struggles, and sins creates internal turmoil and hinders genuine connection with God and others. Choosing honesty, even when it's difficult, leads to freedom, healing, and authentic relationships.

Benefits of living honestly:

• Reduced anxiety and fear of being "found out"
• Opportunity for genuine support and accountability
• Closer relationship with God through transparency

Steps toward honesty:

• Confess hidden sins or struggles to a trusted friend or mentor
• Practice vulnerability in safe relationships
• Regularly examine your life for areas of inauthenticity

8. Seek wisdom beyond mere knowledge

Wisdom over knowledge.

Wisdom applies knowledge. While accumulating biblical and theological knowledge is valuable, true wisdom comes from applying that knowledge to life situations. Seeking God's wisdom leads to better decision-making and a life that honors Him.

Characteristics of wisdom:

• Discernment in applying knowledge to specific situations
• Ability to see beyond surface-level issues
• Humility to seek God's perspective over personal understanding

Ways to grow in wisdom:

• Regularly pray for wisdom (James 1:5)
• Study the book of Proverbs
• Seek counsel from mature believers
• Reflect on life experiences through the lens of Scripture

9. Commit to faith regardless of mood or feeling

Do I want my life more complicated than it is already, or will I commit to a Jesus-over-everything life, where He will "make known to me the path of life; in [His] presence there is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore"?

Commitment stabilizes faith. Emotions and circumstances fluctuate, but choosing to remain committed to following Jesus provides stability and growth. This commitment often requires obedience even when we don't feel like it, trusting that God's way is best.

Benefits of committed faith:

• Stability during difficult seasons
• Consistent spiritual growth over time
• Deeper trust in God's faithfulness

Practical steps:

• Make daily choices to prioritize your relationship with God
• Develop accountability partnerships to encourage faithfulness
• Regularly remind yourself of God's promises and character
• Practice obedience in small things to build faith muscles

Last updated: July 31, 2024