Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)
In him we have obtained an inheritance. . . . so that we who were the
first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
“We have obtained an inheritance . . . . so that we . . . might
be to the praise of his glory. It does not say, “so that we might be happy.” It
does not say, “so that we will have all our dreams fulfilled.” It does not say,
“so that we might be self-actualized.” It says that our inheritance in Christ
is “to the praise of his glory.” Wholeness is found in Christ. Happiness is
found in being who God created us to be and entering into a right relationship with
him. Hopes and dreams are a part of being created in the image of God. None of
those things are bad. But when we make them our primary pursuit we lose them
all.
When joy is our primary pursuit our focus is on us, but joy surprises
us when we are not concerned with finding joy. Wholeness is found when we are
not concerned about us, but about others. Healing if experienced when we get
our eyes off of ourselves. Those things are not bad. They are a part of being
restored in Christ, but they ought never to become our primary goal. Our goal
is the praise of his glory, and in that we find wholeness. Life and salvation are
not about me. When I figure that out I find the greatest joy.
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