Life is full of paradox, perhaps none more profound than our relationship with God. The Baltimore Catechism tells us that we are made to know, love, and serve God in this life and to be happy with Him in the next. None of us knows how many days we will walk the Earth, but we can be sure that every day we wake up, it is to fulfill this purpose. Every day we are given is a gift intended for us to use as we live our mission.

Human relationships are filled with agendas and ulterior motives. This constant complexity causes our brains to be suspicious of anyone, especially when they tell us how to live our lives. God’s plan for us is one of those paradoxes. He does have an agenda, and a clear motive. He wants us to follow His plan because its outcome is the best version of ourselves. How can this be? How can following His script result in my total freedom and true happiness?

God knows His creation and reads our hearts. Jesus has a human nature and can understand this challenge for us. Placing ourselves last requires an act of the will every time we do it. It’s not a one time decision, but a daily and even an hourly one. So, to lead the way, God acted first.

Jesus submitted Himself to us. Before we were created, before we drew our first breath, Jesus offered us Himself, His love, and His friendship. He took all of our future errors, poor choices, and sufferings upon Himself. He accepted torture and death so that we could be free to say yes to Him. It was a vulnerable choice, but one made with full knowledge that countless would look at His eyes, hands, feet, and heart and say no. They would look upon His sacrifice and respond that they prefer themselves. They prefer their small things to His humiliation, His torture, His murder. Thanks but no thanks.

But He still did it.

When we say yes, when we die to our insignificant selves and let go of our small plans. We attach ourselves to the author of life, love itself, and master of the universe. Not as a slave or an outsider, but as sons and daughters of the high king. Our names will last no more than two generations, but His Name is forever.

Saying yes to this is the easiest decision a person will make in their life and, paradoxically, is the hardest one to remain faithful to.