In 1 Peter 2:21, we read, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Christ Jesus purpose for living in this world, was to show us how we should live, so that we can follow His example.
Look at His example:
John 5:19, “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.'”
John 5:30, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
John 8:28, “So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.'”
John 12:49, “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”
John 14:31, “…I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father…”
And some of His last words before He died on the cross, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Do you notice a pattern here? It was ALL about what the Father (God) wanted – NOTHING about what He wanted. And that’s what Jesus was referring to when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
This life is not about being successful, about being popular, or about having everything we want. It is ALL about following Jesus, and doing WHATEVER the Father wants. If God chooses to give us success, popularity, and other things – that’s fine and good. But it’s ALSO fine and good if He chooses NOT to give us much at all. “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”