“… For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”

We’re often trying to better our lives and there’s nothing wrong with that. Still, it’s always good to pause and take stock of our intentions. Why are we trying to improve?

One thing is clear: the way forward is not found in insisting on doing things our own way or loving ourselves to the point where we’re centered on selfish ambitions. Life isn’t about us. It’s about pleasing the God who gave us life and patterning our life after His.

I was reminded of this truth while reading the stories in this issue focused on Andrews University and hope it will give you pause in examining how you have committed your own life to Christ.

You’ll read about students such as Olivia Horvath and Elena Hardinge who are combining hobbies such as crocheting with small group Bible studies (p. 18). You’ll also meet theology undergrads who surrender their summers and much of their time outside the classroom, collectively dedicating more than 1,000 hours each semester to putting their faith into action (p. 10).

Johnny Schnepp (p. 14) and Ciin Kim (p. 43) are devoting their lives to encouraging others to trust God. In the same vein, there’s Harvey Burnett who is faithfully leading out as Buchanan (Michigan) chief of police while serving as professor and department chair in the School of Social & Behavioral Science at Andrews University (p. 22).

These stories are life-giving — and life-saving.

Debbie Michel serves as Lake Union Herald editor.