Jeremiah 6:16 proclaims, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Have you chosen God’s path? Great! But there’s a fork in the trail which demands another decision. One results in a leisurely walk along a gently flowing stream. The other takes you straight up into the high country.

The easy path is pleasant and needs little attention. The higher road is rigorous and requires time, perseverance and vigilance. The temptation is always there to choose the meandering path along the river. But God’s has an even better way! Those who take the high road experience vistas that are impossible without His direction—not to mention exceptionally rich eternal rewards. Paul says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Psalm 84 declares: “The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Paul goes even a step further: “God causes all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” So, what’s God up to when everything seems to be going haywire in life? As difficult as it may be to believe, He’s up to good.

Jesus sees the big pig picture. He knows what you truly need. He allows suffering in your life so that you might grow into the child of God He designed from the very beginning—one who is bent on pursuing Him with all your heart rather than chasing your own desires. Jesus came that we might be conformed to His very own image. We are His children, and we need His discipline to experience His finest.

The Bible describes our place in Christ’s body like being that of our own body—an eye or a hand, for example. The idea is how crucial it is to function together as a whole. But what if we change the perspective a little? Think about reducing yourself to the level of a cell. Immediately your sense of self-importance diminishes a bit, doesn’t it.

Yet consider how vital each cell is to a healthy organism. If that cell dies or becomes malignant it ceases to be useful, or may even become destructive. So it is with us as members of the body of Christ. Though you may not think of yourself as much, you are essential to the wellbeing of the whole. How could the eye or the hand even exist without all those cells working together? Every component is critical. Where would Christ’s church be without a healthy and vibrant you?

Our smart phones have become indispensable, both for communication and for information. When we find a great app we immediately download it; the most important ones go right on our front page. We tend to do the same with Jesus. We know that relationship with God is super important, and therefore give Him priority over most other things. Still, we demote Him to sort of an “app” status—we tend to neglect Him until we have a serious need.

It’s not surprising that we’re a bit confused. The idea of inviting Christ into our life has become the centerpiece of modern evangelism, while pursuing intimacy with Him often takes a backseat. Look at it from God’s perspective: accepting Jesus into our life is indeed important, but even more vital is that He has allowed us to share in His life. He needs to be more than something merely added to our life. Jesus is more than an app; He’s the operating system itself!

While in captivity, Paul recorded several prayers in his letters to three different churches. What’s remarkable is their perfect agreement with one another, which all the more emphasizes their importance for us. Each prayer begins with the necessity of being filled with the knowledge of God’s will. Paul knows this can only happen by means of revelation—God speaking His truth straight into our heart. There is no other way to gain true understanding!

We lean heavily on our knowledge of the Bible for God’s truth. Yet while the Bible is indeed the primary means of grasping His reality, it means very little if our understanding is merely intellectual. Rather, we must keep in mind what is at the forefront of Paul’s exhortation. God Himself must be the one to impart His truth as we read and meditate. Open yourself up to His leading. He will speak if we truly listen.