There are some things in life that we just can’t keep. We can enjoy them while we have them, but eventually, they will fade away or disappear. Losing what you cannot keep is a painful process. You can love the car you have but it only has a certain lifespan, and then it outlives our usefulness. You can have a favorite piece of clothing, but eventually, it will wear out. As a Christian, we have to learn how to give up our lives, so that we can gain so much more.
Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.
Pick Up Your Cross
We can spend so much time trying to build our wealth, our families, and our life that we lose sight of what is essential. Jesus bids us come and die to that. He challenges us to deny ourselves and pick up our cross and follow him. So many people have gambled all they have trying to make it big only to lose it all. Jesus says if you lose your life you will preserve it. That means if you give up your right to your way, your agenda, and your preferences you will excel in life.
Walk in Freedom
Losing what you cannot keep brings a sense of freedom. It eliminates the worries of trying to maintain all of our stuff. Jesus spoke compelling words that when enacted bring lovely truth and riches to our lives. Contrast that with those who seek to keep their life. They are always trying to keep up with everyone. We are bound by the weight of comparing ourselves. In the end, we end of losing the life we want because we are working so hard to keep up.
New Life
Tell the Lord that you are ready to lose your life. Be willing to give up everything to do what he has called you to do. Sacrifice the creature comforts that you fall back on and let him lead you into a new life that is flowing with abundant grace and blessing. To truly live for Christ you need to be willing to lose it all.