I have a habit, well actually I have tons of habits but I want to share with you about one habit.

When I'm reading a book and I find a quote I like I write it in the back of my journal. So, this week I was taking the time to write the quotes from one of my favorite books into my journal and I came across that spoke to me so truly about our culture.

I feel that people are always looking to please people, whether consciously or subconsciously. We want people to like us, we want to feel accepted. We live our lives in a fashion that they are never truly ours but mere vessels to get approval and acceptance.

"Here are some signs that I am failing to take responsibility for my own life:

• I am overly eager to please. I find myself looking for others to validate my choices.
• I can't decide. I lack clarity on what it is that I truly think is right or good or even enjoyable. I waver and hesitate to commit.
• I am anxious. A little criticism from the wrong source leaves me feeling defeated.
• I lack integrity. Instead of freely saying what I believe, I calculate and adjust my words to fit more closely with what I think the other person wants to hear. "

From Love Beyond Reason by John Ortberg pg. # 82

I think if you look closely at that list and think about your own life there are ways that we all aren't living our own lives. So, what is the key to living our own life? How do we do that? What steps do we take to make that happen?

Well . . .

We live our lives with Jesus in our sights. We keep our eyes locked on him. When we are in a situation, when we have to make a choice, we need to think (I know this is cliche) but how would Jesus react? What would he want me to do in this situation? What is the best way I can respond to bring glory to God?

I think the key to living your own life is to figure out why you are on this earth. If you are on this earth just to be rich and happy, then forget what I said. But if you know there is more to this life then meaningless dawdling, then take this to heart. Look deep inside and see, How am I not living my own life? How am I living this life for only me? And ask the one who is supposed to be your focus how to change.

I want to be clear. My life is Jesus'. My life is not my own but God's. I just thought that I should write this blog, because I feel that this is a big issue in the Church.