Friday, January 13
The life I long for
Scripture: Matthew 10
Matthew 10:38–39 And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life because of me will find it.
Observation
These are two of the classic discipleship verses. Following Jesus means taking up your cross and losing your life to find it. In the context, Jesus was sending his disciples out on mission and warned them of severe opposition and persecution, even from family members. So the immediate meaning was that they must be willing suffer persecution and possibly death out of their loyalty to Jesus.
Most of us American Christians are not facing persecution or death for our faith, so what does this mean for us?
These verses show up in other contexts (see Matthew 16) that suggest self-denial and sacrifice. Being self-centered and selfish is the opposite of following Jesus, who was utterly selfless and gave himself for us. Jesus promises that the life we long for, abundant life, isn’t found in selfishness but in selflessly giving our lives away for him and others.
Application
I’m naturally selfish. I run every decision, every bit of news through a grid dominated by self-interest. “How does this affect me?” So this—being selfless and giving my life away—is and always will be a daily battle for me.
The life I long for is found in losing my selfish life.
So today…again…I will ask for the Lord’s help to live more selflessly, and see to give my life away in service to God and people.
Prayer: I love you Lord and I acknowledge my selfishness, and at the same time, my desire to follow you and be more like you—selfless. When the opportunity comes today to give my life away, remind me of this and help me do it!