You are found when you are found in him

Inspiration can be found in many sources -- in the story of an athlete who has overcome tremendous adversities in the pursuit of his dream, in a painting or a photograph, by listening to an interview with someone you admire or by spending time with a mother who draws energy and enthusiasm from simply doing day-to-day activities.

We surround ourselves with things that inspire us to remind us of who we are and who it is we want to become.

Americans are ambitious adventurers longing to see what is on the next horizon. Jesus shares with those who are chasing the next horizon to carefully consider what it is they are pursuing. He says, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:25)

Our lives are more valuable than what we see or touch. The true value of our lives comes not from our investments but in whom we are invested. Men and women from all walks of life have chosen to look past their present condition and invest themselves in other individuals, families and communities. A life that is lost is a life that is found.

By no means is Jesus encouraging a reckless abandonment of striving for success.

Planning, executing and becoming the best you can be with what you are given is a principle of biblical living. He is, however, quickly telling any who will listen that, in their pursuit of God and life, they must never lose touch with that which is most important. After all, why gain everything that you could have possibly ever have wanted and lose everything that you ever hoped to be? Jesus shares that the millionaires next door have discovered one's ability to consume is never a measure of a good life.

These are days when newspapers, economists and politicians would have us believe that dreams and hope are the only things we can afford. Dreams are crucial. Without dreams, the present is all there is. Lord wants us to dream about what could be. To actively trust him as we look forward, filled with hope, into the future.

No matter what we gain or lose, our lives will always be rich when they are found in him.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.