Our scripture this morning is Mark 8:35 (NET).
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it.
This call from Jesus sounds like a paradox, but it is part of God’s plan for us. The earthly example of saving our lives is doing whatever is necessary to continue our physical existence. While this is important, it is secondary to our need to do whatever is necessary to be saved, believing in Jesus and accepting the forgiveness He offers. Jesus tells us our physical lives are temporary, while our souls are eternal. The joy we think we have here will pale in comparison to the joy in the place He has prepared for us.
Gracious God, You created us in Your own image and gave us free will to be part of Your work. Bless us to be far-sighted, seeing the eternal over the temporary and going to share Your love everywhere. Amen.
