When Life is About More

Because it’s about more than just ________________.Fill in the blank. What is it for you?

For some, it’s more than winning. For others, it’s more than money, influence, or the approval of people. Deep down, within the core of our soul, we all sense that life was meant to be more. We may chase success, status, or comfort, but something deep within us whispers that there is something greater—something eternal.

Isaiah’s Story, Our Story

One of my favorite moments in Scripture is Isaiah’s encounter with God in Isaiah 6. The scene is breathtaking—God’s throne high and exalted, the temple filled with smoke, the seraphim circling and crying out, “Holy, holy, holy.” But as awe-inspiring as the vision is, what grips me most isn’t the imagery—it’s Isaiah’s response. And then, his call.

In the brilliance of God’s holiness, Isaiah is undone. He sees himself with terrifying clarity: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.” He knows he is unworthy, stained, and helpless before a perfect God.

And yet—this is the miracle—instead of being consumed, he is cleansed. A coal from the altar touches his lips, and the angel declares: “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Even in the blazing holiness of God, Isaiah encounters firsthand the mercy and grace of God. And it’s here that we uncover two life-altering truths:

• The gospel of God’s grace. God didn’t destroy Isaiah—He redeemed him. His holiness didn’t cancel grace; it magnified it.

• Our response to that grace. Immediately after being cleansed, Isaiah hears God’s voice: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And with no hesitation, Isaiah answers: “Here am I. Send me!”

Notice the beautiful tension. God is sovereign—He is the sender. But He chooses to invite a response. Isaiah’s eagerness doesn’t flow from guilt or fear—it erupts from gratitude. Grace has changed him.

It is always grace that ignites mission. Grace is what makes life about more than just ____________.

Who We Are vs. Who He Is

This moment is one of the great salvation scenes in the Old Testament. It lays bare both the depth of our sin and the immeasurable reach of God’s forgiveness. When you’ve been forgiven like that—when you’ve been set free—you cannot stay the same.

Grace compels.

Grace commissions.

Grace puts us on mission.

Isaiah’s ministry bore the permanent mark of that encounter. The memory of being spared and cleansed shaped everything he did. It fueled his willingness to go wherever God sent him, no matter the cost.

And here’s the stunning truth: Isaiah’s call is not more extraordinary than the call every follower of Jesus receives. At the cross of Christ, you and I are brought face-to-face with our sin and face-to-face with God’s overwhelming forgiveness. Like Isaiah, we are undone. Like Isaiah, we are cleansed. And like Isaiah, we are called.

More Than ________

When we truly see God’s holiness, confront the reality of our sin, and receive His forgiveness, there is only one fitting response: Send me.

Because life is meant to be about more than __________.More than chasing success.More than protecting our comfort.More than living for ourselves.

So let me ask you again: what is your blank?What lesser thing have you been tempted to live for?And how might God’s grace be calling you to live for something greater today?