SQUANDERING YOUR LIFE ON YOURSELF IS WASTEFUL.
“Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it.” Luke 9:24 NKJV.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “SQUANDERING OR SACRIFICING.”
In the United States, we observe Memorial Day, an annual day to remember and honor those men and women who loved their country more than their own lives. The aging Apostle John wrote of such, “They loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 KJV. Every country values the men and women who serve in defense of their neighbors and fellow countrymen. Their sacrifices are immeasurable, especially those whose lives are required for the protection and safety of others. For all of those who serve in our military, or guard our borders, or protect our homes and cities, we give thanks.
But my thoughts today are for those of us who claim to be His disciples. Dare we value or be less committed to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God? Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you.” John 15:13-16 NIV. Imagine the honor of being chosen by the One Who died on a cross for your sins. There can be only one appropriate response – to give yourself completely to do His will.
The Apostle Paul embraced the price of obedience, “And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” Acts 20:22-24 NLT.
If men and women will sacrifice their lives for freedom, love of country, and the safety of their families, should we who are called by His Name and redeemed by His sacrifice not give our lives in His service and the advance of His Kingdom? Squandering your life on yourself is wasteful. “But mark this: People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud . . not lovers of the good . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of Godliness, but denying its power.” See 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV. That is a horrible but accurate description of anyone who lives for themselves.
Sacrificing your life for God and others is rewarded. Jesus did not mince words, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:23-25 NIV. Your answer to Jesus’ question will determine you eternal destiny. Paul implored the saints at Rome, “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV. Sacrifice is every disciple’s obedience. Jesus’ own call to discipleship remains unchanged today, Those last words pose a haunting question for every one of us.
Today I pray for you to live a life in such a way that models eternal values and priorities.
Christian Communications 2018
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com
facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph