I find this inspirational.Losing to Find
January 15, 2017
|
Read: Matthew 10:37–42
Bible in a Year: Genesis 36–38; Matthew 10:21–42
Whoever loses their
life for my sake will find it.—Matthew 10:39
When I married my English fiancé and moved
to the United Kingdom, I thought it would be a five-year adventure in a
foreign land. I never dreamed I’d still be living here nearly twenty years
later, or that at times I’d feel like I was losing my life as I said goodbye
to family and friends, work, and all that was familiar. But in losing my old
way of life, I’ve found a better one.
The upside-down gift of finding life when we
lose it is what Jesus promised to His apostles. When He sent out the twelve
disciples to share His good news, He asked them to love Him more than their
mothers or fathers, sons or daughters (Matt. 10:37). His words came in a
culture where families were the cornerstone of the society and highly valued.
But He promised that if they would lose their life for His sake, they would
find it (v. 39).
We don’t have to move abroad to find
ourselves in Christ. Through service and commitment—such as the disciples
going out to share the good news of the kingdom of God—we find ourselves receiving
more than we give through the lavish love the Lord showers on us. Of course
He loves us no matter how much we serve, but we find contentment, meaning,
and fulfillment when we pour ourselves out for the well-being of others. —Amy
Boucher Pye
When I survey the
wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but
loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Isaac Watts
Every loss leaves a
space that can be filled with God’s presence.
INSIGHT: When
we choose to follow Christ, we won’t necessarily be popular. Our highest
calling is not self-promotion or self-preservation. A hero jumps into deep
water to save someone who is drowning, but that same person could well lose
his or her life (to quote Jesus) in the process of seeking to save someone
else. Jesus indicated that even family members (normally our closest natural
connection) may be squared off against us. While others may become our
obstinate opponents because of Christ, we are obligated to show unselfishness
because of Him (Phil. 2:3-5). “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is
gain” (1:21). It’s a profound paradox. To lose our life for Him means to find
it. Has there been a time when the choice to follow Christ has cost you? Jim
Townsend
|
No comments:
Post a Comment