Do you want to save your life?

It seems the answer should be NO.  Do you agree?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV)

During my lifetime, I have been taught about being a Christian and have told others about Christianity.  Some people do not want to hear about becoming a Christian because they would have to change their behavior.  The funny thing is that they believe  they are headed toward prosperity by doing their own will.  The real truth is knowing that if you deny yourself and take up the cross you are really headed toward prosperity.

Whenever I read this Bible verse I become concerned about how I am living.  This concern does not overwhelm me anymore, but rather, helps me to realize that I need to rely on the saving grace of Jesus Christ even more.

If anyone intends to come with Jesus you have to let Him lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; Jesus is. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Jesus and He will show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, Jesus’s way, to finding yourself, your true self.

What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself?

What could you ever trade your soul for?     Matthew 16:24-26 (The Message)