From the desk of Pastor Ben
The Paradox of Discipleship – Part 1

“Whoever wishes to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
                                    (Matthew 16:25-26)

This is a simple truth: whoever lives only to save his earthly, physical life will lose his opportunity for eternal life. But, whoever is willing to give it up to suffer and die, if necessary, for Christ’s sake will find eternal life.

The true disciple is willing to pay whatever price faithfulness to the Lord requires. He will be willing to abandon his safety, personal resources, health, friends, job, and even his life for Christ.

Jesus reinforced the paradox by adding, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Jesus was saying, “Of what lasting benefit would it be to somehow possess the whole world if in gaining it you forfeited your soul?”

“Or,” Jesus continued, “What could possibly be worth having during this lifetime, if to gain it you would have to exchange your soul?” To gain every possession possible in this world and yet be without Christ is to be bankrupt forever. But to abandon everything for the sake of Christ is to be rich forever.

Ask Yourself:
What do those who lose themselves to sin and self-serving behaviors really hope to gain from their so-called freedom? What do they expect to receive and enjoy in return? What have you learned (and lost) from directing your own energies toward fleshly habits?