Ultimately, the only thing that matters is Jesus! Seeing and knowing Him, following, obeying, sharing, and praising Him matter more than money, career, health, beauty, family or friends. 

The top and bottom lines of life have to do with Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev.1: 8). Everything in-between that we buy, build and work so hard to posses will fade. The things we cherish, hold, and think we can keep forever will be lost in a wink. But Jesus remains.

Jesus matters because He is inexplicably tied to our origin, present well-being and future destiny. He matters because our daily response to His call moves us either closer or further away from finding our way through life's tangled maze.

While life may grace us with many wonderful relationships, Jesus is the only One we can count on at all times. He's simply always there!

When new beginnings fill us with excitement,
When kneeling over a silent grave,
When hard pressed for money,
When children leave home to find their way,
When words aren't enough,
When birthdays come and go,
When overwhelmed with joy,
When our best efforts seem wasted,
When our dreams come true,
When retirement begins,
When "friends" betray,
When death beckons,
When religion fails to satisfy . . . Jesus matters!

Jesus is more than a pacifier, emotional crutch, or "sugar daddy." He is the answer to every question, heartache and human desire. He alone can satisfy our hidden hunger and thirst.

This is why He says: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (Jn.7: 37, 38).

Jesus matters because "He who has the Son has life; [but] he who does not have the Son does not have life" (1 Jn. 5:12).

Rich DuBose is Director of Church Support Services for the Pacific Union Conference and a producer of Christian web content.