Mark 8:34-37
34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Does Jesus know how to ask convicting questions or what?
It’s so easy to get caught up in the things of this world: work, school, recreational activities, family… you name it. We spend so much time doing things to benefit ourselves, but what are we doing for Jesus?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that finding ways to enjoy this life is a bad thing — it’s just that this life is not everything. God created each one of us with souls, souls that will live on eternally, long after this life on earth is over. So I ask you, what are you doing that makes an eternal difference? Have you secured your eternal destination through faith in Christ? If so, what are you doing for Jesus (not to earn the salvation already given you, but out of love for Christ and in appreciation of the gift of salvation)?
It’s pretty clear from Scripture what Jesus wants us to do: “take up [your] cross, and follow me.” Don’t allow the things of earth to be your sole focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and make a difference for Him each day. No, it’s not easy, but what else can you do that will reap eternal rewards?
Thought I’d share an old devotion today… the busy nature of life has found me lacking much time for original thought.
Anyway… it is a tough issue… denial of self to follow Jesus. Even though we know we can trust Him fully, somehow, when it comes to actually doing it, it’s always amazing to me how little faith we exhibit… how quickly we turn back to self-reliance.
I wish I had a quick-fix answer for developing faith and conquering fear (whether in regard to trusting God with our finances, our life decisions, in sharing Christ, you name it)… but I don’t really see that there is one. Maybe that’s lack of faith in God’s power (I know He can and does miraculously change people), but then again… maybe that’s simply the truth of the Christian walk… that we just have to keep taking those small steps in the right direction, right behind our Lord, following His lead… eventually finding ourselves amazed at how far we’ve come.