I’ve never met anyone else who shared the same “life verse” as myself. 

Still, the short verse, from a very short passage from the Gospel of Mark has shaped me in significant ways. I would describe it as the most important verse for how I think about life, ministry, and to be honest, everything else.

“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” – Mark 3:14

In this short passage of Scripture Jesus had just gone up to a mountainside to call the disciples to himself and to give them a mandate. Whereas typically disciples would flock to Rabbi’s, asking “Rabbi, can I study under you,” Jesus flips the order of things. He calls them and entrusts them with something. Jesus lays out what the life of a disciple is all about.

Be with Jesus.

Become like Jesus.

Go with Jesus.

The Christian life is more simple than we make it out to be. It’s relational. It’s about being with Jesus. The result is becoming like Jesus. The taks is to go with Jesus.As you go start the new year pause for a few moments of stillness. Breathe deeply, let go of your worries, and focus on on the simplicity of this call. Don’t stress yourself about making sure you pick the right resolution, find the right podcast, incoporate the right new spiritual discipline in 2025. Come back to the simplicity of what the Christian life is all about. Being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, going with Jesus.