“It is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10. One definition of “futility” would be for us to do the same thing over and over again but expect a different outcome each time. Now this may sound odd, but I would suggest we all routinely do this in our family and professional lives.

Jesus says, “Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” Matthew 16:25-26. How do we present Christ to others? That “Jesus is the answer!” is something we would all agree upon. But we might ask ourselves, “But what is the question?” Is it, “What makes me happy?” Or is it, “What keeps my marriage together?” Is it, “What stops me from being lonely?” Or is it “What makes it possible for me to earn money to provide for my family and live the “American Dream”?

“We have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9-10. Growth is a byproduct of many factors. You cannot simply say to a seed, “Grow” and expect to see results – at least I can’t! You have to provide soil, sunlight, and water and these all work together to cause the seed to grow.