Life

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:24-26

We all have been given a life and are free to choose how that plays out. What we quickly discover is that the world is anything but a playground and bumps, bruises, joys and triumphs often come unexpectedly.

Living uncovers a huge hole in our soul. One that can only be taken care of by following Jesus’ divine direction. In obeying Him we discover His intentions becoming our heart’s desire and in this process the void in our soul slowly starts to fill.

This filling of our soul starts with Godly wisdom but also includes thoughts from others who have experienced the work of denial, bearing their cross and pursuing God. Individuals who through the process of living know the loss of life for gain and the proper exchange rate for a soul. A few of these are:

At what point does a theological fact became one that holds life giving truth? At the point where obedience begins – A.W. Tozar.

A hurry up lifestyle results in a throwaway culture. Things that should be lasting and meaningful are sacrificed on the altar of the temporary and superficial – Charles Swindoll.

If we protect ourselves from pain, we begin to die spiritually and emotionally. Our lives turn inward, and we lose our intended purpose. When we give our lives in service to Christ, however, we discover the real purpose of living – Life Application Bible.

When we don’t know Christ, we make choices as though this life were all we have.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Prov. 14:12

Submitted by Pastor Dave Jagemann, Chapel of Faith