Living a Life Worthy of "Well Done": A Journey Inspired by Jesus

Exploring the Call to Incorporate Christ’s Life into Ours and Embrace the Ongoing Process of Faith

The Meaning Behind the Tattoo

On my forearm is a tattoo of a cross, with the words "Well Done" beneath it. It’s more than ink—it’s a reflection of my life’s goal: to one day kneel before God and hear the words from Matthew 25:23:

However, a nagging question has lingered in my heart for years: What kind of life must I live for God to say those words to me?

This question haunted me, and I never had an answer until recently. The realization struck me like a revelation: Has anyone ever lived a life truly worthy of God’s “Well done”? The answer, of course, is yes. One person has: Jesus Christ. His life is the perfect example, and the blueprint has been before me this entire time.

A Catholic Perspective on "Well Done"

The Catholic faith provides profound guidance on living a life pleasing to God. The Church teaches that our ultimate calling is to live a life of holiness, in union with Christ, and in service to others. This journey is not about achieving perfection on our own but allowing God’s grace to work through us.

The Sacraments play a central role in this process. Baptism initiates us into God’s family, and the Eucharist sustains us with Christ’s Body and Blood, transforming us to become more like Him. Reconciliation offers us the opportunity to repent and receive God’s mercy, keeping us on the path toward holiness. Through these channels of grace, we are strengthened to persevere in our faith and to live lives that reflect the Gospel.

Moreover, the lives of the saints provide inspiring examples of how ordinary people, empowered by grace, lived lives worthy of God’s praise. Saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Ávila, and modern figures like St. John Paul II show us that holiness is possible for everyone who surrenders to God’s will.

A New Focus: Deep Diving Into Jesus’ Life

This realization has inspired a new direction in my personal journey. I plan to explore Jesus’ life over a 31-day series—examining who He was, what He did, and how we can incorporate His principles into our lives. Each article will include actionable steps we can take to reflect His character. This journey is not just about knowing Jesus but about becoming more like Him, step by step.

One resource that profoundly reminds me of this transformation is the video "The Chisel" by The Skit Guys. In the skit, one character plays God, holding a hammer and chisel, and explains to the other that the goal is for others to see God in us. The chiseling process is not easy—it’s often painful—but it is necessary for us to reflect God’s image.

A Journey Without a Finish Line

As I embark on this series, I must acknowledge a hard truth: the journey to live a life worthy of God’s “Well done” does not have a finish line in this life. The finish line comes when we kneel before God. Along the way, we will struggle, fail, and grow. But in this journey, the frustration of not being “done” fades when we embrace that it’s a lifelong process.

St. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12-14 resonate deeply here:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

There’s a saying that reflects this journey: “As soon as you reach the top of one mountain, you’ll realize it’s the bottom of the next.” This journey is not about perfection; it’s about perseverance. It’s about maintaining a relationship with God, communicating with Him daily, and extending grace to ourselves as we stumble and rise again.

Accepting the Struggle

Living a life of faith is a struggle—but it’s a beautiful struggle. It doesn’t mean we excuse our shortcomings or allow bad habits to persist unchecked. Instead, we confront them, leaning on God’s grace to overcome. Progress may be slow, but with each step, we grow closer to reflecting the life of Jesus.

As Catholics, we are called to live out our faith through acts of charity, humility, and love. The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy provide concrete ways to serve others and reflect Christ’s love. By feeding the hungry, forgiving offenses, and bearing wrongs patiently, we align our lives with God’s will and grow closer to hearing His “Well done.”

The Role of Grace and Community

No one walks this journey alone. The Catholic Church reminds us that we are part of the Body of Christ, called to support and encourage one another. Through prayer, participation in the Mass, and engagement with our faith communities, we receive the grace and strength needed to continue our journey.

Finally, let us never forget the words of Jesus in John 15:5:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Our efforts, though necessary, rely on God’s grace. By staying connected to Him, we can live a life that glorifies Him.

The Journey Ahead

As I prepare this series, my prayer is that it inspires you to take up this journey with a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we’ll explore Jesus’ life, His teachings, and the actionable ways we can emulate Him. Let’s strive to live a life where others see Christ in us—so that one day, we might hear those cherished words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Stay tuned for the first installment in the series. Until then, let us keep chiseling away, confident that God’s grace will sustain us.