“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
The self-sacrifice portion of the verse jumped out at me. This is something that we, in the US, aren't accustomed to. We have everything we want/need. There is no self-sacrifice. I was reminded of this around Christmas time. I was asking what everybody was wanting for presents. My kids couldn't even come up with something to ask for! That says a lot. So, I've been thinking around this idea for a couple of months, and here's what I've come up with...........nothin'. I try to make everything that is mine, his. If anyone wants to use my house or car or anything for God.....I'm all in. But, is that enough? Is that the self-sacrifice that Jesus was talking about in the verse? I don't think so.
What do you think on this one?
my family was the same for presents other than Luke wanting an iPhone....which he got. So I agree we have no unmet needs in the US. So I think its all a heart thing
ReplyDelete26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
(so yes it would be ashame if we had all the gifts he has provided to us but not know Him and therefore give up the gift of eternal life with Him
Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
(by the same token there is no possession of this earth we have that by giving it up will save our soul. I think its about being seeking Him and His will for us and then being obedient, which could me giving up possessions but doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up all possessions. I think we each know privately in our hears if we are willing to take up our cross and follow him...He knows too.)
hopefully not just rationalization on my part. knut