For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:24
Self-preservation is usually at the top of the list for most people. The majority of people do not want to die. They will do what it takes to keep on surviving, no matter what the cost. Compromising standards and beliefs become a part of what one does in order to save one’s own life in difficult situations. It becomes all about one’s social status in life and having an immediate good time.
Luke records Jesus telling the disciples and people that the person who strives to save his own life will lose it, but the one who loses his life for His sake will save it in the end.
Giving up personal desires and wants is extremely difficult for most people. Some can give up a little in order to gain some personal gain, such as in those who do physical workouts to become physically fit. The world is focused on living life to the fullest in the here and now, with very little focus on the future, much less the far future.
Following Christ means that one gives up one’s own personal wants and desires and focuses on His desires. As the believer follows Christ closer and closer, the world will hate that believer more and more. In the eyes of the world, the believer will lose one’s life.
Although giving up personal freedoms right now appears crazy, in the end, it will gain a greater life. Walking away from sin and death will give a person life that is more abundant and lasting than what the world can offer. It is no longer temporary pleasure, but eternal life that is gained.
What are your greatest desires in your life? Put your focus on following Jesus at all physical, spiritual, and emotional costs. It may appear that you are dying socially right now, but in the end, you will gain an eternal life that the world cannot offer nor take away. The temporary things of this world will only bring about death, but the ways of God will bring about eternal life. Lose your life for Jesus so that He may save you and give you what you need in the end–true abundant and eternal life.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will follow Jesus with all of your heart; that you will give your life to follow Jesus; that you will not lose your life to the ways of this world; and that you will know the life God has for you.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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