Central Truth

We are only made complete through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The world will leave us empty and wanting more.

Reflections

So many girls' hearts swooned when Tom Cruise uttered these words to Renee Zellweger in Jerry Maguire, "You complete me." While it sounds like an incredibly romantic thing to say, it couldn't be further from the truth.

In reality, we are only made complete in Christ. Only in Him do we find hope -- our true fulfillment. Yet, we look for completeness in so many other places.

While in college, I began to believe the lie that a Christian couldn't have fun and that I would be missing out if I chose to follow Christ. I bought the world's definition for life: drinking, partying, inappropriate relationships, etc. I thought it was cool. I couldn't have been further from the truth. That life was exhausting.

I was trying to be someone I wasn't. I felt like I couldn't keep pace with what the world said I should do. Attempting it anyway, I felt empty. Only then did I realize that the completeness I longed for could only be found in a relationship with Christ.

In Christ, I have everything I need. Philippians 4:19 reads, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Isn't that amazing? There is nothing on earth that will satisfy or complete us apart from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I love how Colossians 1:21-22 presents such a beautiful picture that we are made holy, blameless, and beyond reproach before God through the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ on the cross. It's not about doing this or doing that. It's about receiving the wonderful gift of God's grace through Jesus Christ that makes us complete.

While at times I still struggle with finding satisfaction through the world, I know it always leaves me empty. Thank you, Lord, for pursuing a sinner like me and pointing me to the only relationship that can complete me.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you find yourself looking for satisfaction in things the world has to offer? Or through a relationship with Christ? Do you feel empty? Want more?

2. What pulls your heart towards false completeness or satisfaction?

3. How can you guard your heart and mind from believing anything other than the truth that Jesus Christ can truly satisfy? (See Hebrews 12:1-2, Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:2)

4. Have you received God's free gift of grace to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If not, find a believer in Christ and ask what this looks like and how you enter into a relationship with Christ. I promise you will never be the same!

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

August 13-17 (Philippians 1 - Colossians 1)

Read Philippians 2: 1-11.

• What does it mean to be selfish or to try to impress others?
• Why would those things go against what God would have you do?
• What, instead, does Paul say we should do? (verse 3 & 4)
• What would it look like in your own life to do those things?

• What did Christ do for you?
• How did He show humility?
• 
Is it easy for you to be humble, not seek everyone's approval, and to serve others above yourself?

Activity: At a family meeting, ask each person to identify someone to serve. For the person you identify, think about doing something that puts that person before yourself. Try to think of someone who cannot do anything for you in return!