As I read this I just had the desire to open my heart and share. We are called to die to self and live a new transformed life for God. When we realize how important it is to learn to live according to the standard Jesus set we will understand that we lost our lives when we accepted Jesus into ours. Jesus is not making suggestions He is telling us “Those who love their life in this world will lose it…” We must take what He did seriously and open our hearts when we read so we can feel the change.
In John chapter 12 verse 36 Jesus says, “Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
Our trust is important also because when we trust in something we believe that it is true and when we believe it is true we have a chance to obey and desire that change in our lives is real. I saw a pastor talk about the verse “Many are called but a few are chosen.” He mentioned how this was because not many say “yes” and are not willing to give up self and live for God. When we can see how important it is for us to actually live out our faith and quit making excuses for why we can’t, our lives will be better. Our only desire should be to learn and grow to be more like Christ and to glorify the Father in everything we do.
In John chapter 12 verses 47-48 Jesus says, “I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the Day of Judgment by the truth I have spoken.”
I say let’s strive to be the best we can and be a light so people know we are different because of our love for the Lord. Seek a different life; one that is for the Lord and be someone that says no to the world and yes to all that God requires. Amen