To grow in faith, we start with the person of Jesus. Read Matthew 16:13-16. To many people, Christianity feels like a set of "dos and don’ts". Follow the rules. Obey the commandments. Although rules are important, they are not the primary focus. Jesus is the focus. A relationship with Jesus is more important than getting all the rules right and following them perfectly. A disciple of Jesus desires to have the same heart of compassion and mind of wisdom that Christ displayed when he walked the earth. As we walk the earth in 2026, we want to display patience, kindness, and love to all people. When we are faced with decisions, we want to discern God’s will and apply the wisdom of Jesus so that our words and actions might mimic what Jesus would do. We won’t always make the decision that perfectly aligns to God’s will, but if our hearts are chasing after the desire to be like Jesus, we will be closer to God’s will than if we are not intentionally trying to be like Jesus. Other rabbis in Jesus’ day were focused on following rules. One scholar asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” A rich young ruler asked, “What must I do to enter the Kingdom of heaven.” When Jesus asked his disciples who he was, Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” We can’t get the rules right until we get Jesus right.



Lord Jesus, let this day start with you. May you be my focus throughout the day. Let my day end with you. Amen.