Enjoy covenantal relationships. Don’t settle for the contractual types of relationships the media promotes by telling you that you should always hold out for a better deal. Instead, invest in covenantal relationships based on unconditional love, submission, sacrifice, and fidelity. Remain committed to your spouse rather than giving up, stick with your friends even in the hard times, build rapport with your neighbors instead of competing with them, and pray for your enemies. Expect that, as you live out a covenant between you and another person, you’ll experience more fulfillment than you could get from even the best contractual relationship.

Enjoy a mission bigger than yourself. Realize that you’ll end up happier if you don’t limit yourself to pursuing just personal achievements and work toward the greater good instead. The Gospel isn’t just a self-improvement message; it’s about becoming part of God’s plan to renew the whole world. Ask God to give you fresh passion for joining Him in His mission work, and expect that when you do, fulfillment will flow into your life.

Rely on Jesus. Rather than just intellectually agreeing with the Christian faith, trust Jesus to guide you in all your decisions, and to empower you to live them out well. Instead of just believing in Him, rely on Him for everything you need.

Join countercultural Christian community. Establish and nurture close relationships with other believers rather than pursuing the individualistic lifestyle the media glamorizes. The experiences you share with other believers will prove more exciting than whatever you can experience on your own.

Worship in any situation. Forget about chasing after excitement by following the hyper-real culture. Realize that nothing is more exciting than becoming aware of God’s presence with you in any situation. Ask Him to help you notice Him more, and regularly praise and thank Him for His work in your life. View every moment you’re alive as an opportunity to worship God and experience joy as you do.

Adapted from The Trouble with Paris: Following Jesus in a World of Plastic Promises, copyright 2008 by Mark Sayers. Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn., www.thomasnelson.com. 
Mark Sayers is the director of Über (www.uberlife.com.au), a ministry that specializes in issues of youth and young adult discipleship. He is also pastor of Red East Church in Melbourne, Australia, an emerging church specifically reaching the young adult demographic. He is a popular speaker and thinker in the areas of Generation Y, pop culture and mission.