[After saying his followers must take up their cross daily, Jesus said,] “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”
Key Thought
On earth, we get one lifetime. That’s it. No more and no less. What we do in this life determines how we will spend eternal life. So if we live our lives trying to bring fulfillment to ourselves and seeking to achieve things that bring honor to only us, we’re going to end up losing everything of eternal value. There are no trailer hitches on hearses for a reason: All we take with us into the next life is our relationship with Jesus and with those who love him. So let’s not pursue what is ultimately insignificant, inconsequential, and perishable. The only lasting investment for our lives is Jesus!
Today’s Prayer
Clear my clouded vision, O God, so that I can see your will more clearly and not be distracted by my own selfishness and self-seeking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Haggai 1:3-6Matthew 6:19-21Philippians 3:7-9Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.