Founded by Bryant Wright, Right from the Heart is a
daily injection of truth, reminding you about what
matters most in life. Basically, we cut the fluff and
get right to the point.
The High Calling of Jesus Feb 24 2010
"He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." - Matthew 10:39
Jesus said, "The only way you really can FIND your life is to be willing to LOSE your life." This statement is one of the paradoxes of meaningful living. What did Jesus mean? How can we find our life if we lose it? We'd be dead. Now, settle down - it's about dying - but not dying physically.
What???
Think about it this way. How are most people trying to discover their ultimate meaning? Some by achievement; others through education. Many see it through experience; others through relationships. Still others see it through acts of pleasure. But the reality is, Christ says it's a paradox. Until you're willing to lose all this, let go of it as a source of ultimate meaning, you'll never find yourself. It's about letting go of your priorities, of your desires, of your interests, in order to follow Christ's priorities.
So have you made that decision? Are you willing to lose your priorities for Christ's priorities? Yes, it's a paradox - the only way to really win is to lose your life for Jesus.
Share
1-MinuteDaily Devotions
You are reading a Daily Devotion from Right From The Heart. We invite you to comment, forward it to a friend, and subscribe to the daily email or RSS feed.
Subscribe to the Daily Devotion
We send out the devotion terribly early every morning. Enter your email address to get on the list.
Recent Devotions
| Fri, Jul 30 | Science Vs. The Bible (27) |
| Thu, Jul 29 | Our Daily Needs (6) |
| Wed, Jul 28 | Forgive Our Sins (4) |
| Tue, Jul 27 | Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But... (10) |
| Mon, Jul 26 | Your Kingdom Come (1) |
| Sun, Jul 25 | Hallowed Be Thy Name (2) |
| Sat, Jul 24 | Our Father (1) |
7 Comments
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindA paradox, but not a contradiction.
It is possible, and God's intention, for us to enjoy this life and all the good things it can provide.
It's just a matter of priorities. Do I put trying to be Christlike first. If I do, then I can and should make the most of the abilities he gave me. A "successful Christian" is not an oxymoron.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindI have already did it and I have never regretted a second of it.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindFinding your life by losing it is like baptism. We go down into the water spiritually dead and come out of the water spiritually alive .
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindHow far do you take this "loss of life?"
In following Christ's priorities, how much do we sacrific? I could sell my home and cars and give all the money to orphans. Jesus would probably do that. But I'm not.
Where do you draw the line?
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindAustin, I think you are not really getting what Christs wants from us. It is just like the time when Abraham was told to offer Issac up for a burnt offering. God never told him to kill Issac. Christ wants us to be "willing" to go the extra mile. Only a few are ever told to go that distance. You should be totally "willing" to lose your life for Christ. Who knows with the radical islamic belief that is growing in the world we may one day have to lose our life for Christ. I am ready and willing to die for Christ, am I jumping at the reins to leap off a cliff to prove I am ready to die? No, BUT if he tells me to do it then yes I will do it. But he hasn't so I am not going to. I hope this helps you.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindAustin, I relate what the devotion is speaking about to Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." This can relate to the big things and the little things in life. For an example, I was doing volunteer work in the church library this evening. I got a call from my son who needed to talk to me about something that was not critical. My first inclination was to get my coat and go home to take care of family business. But then I saw the pile of new books that needed processing to help people with the current focus on witnessing in our church and I decided the kingdom work needed to take priority. It was a little point in time when I made a decision that could possibly make the difference in a person being saved. I think this is the kind of thing this devotion is getting at.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindAhhh, I think I understand more now. Thank you Jerry and Janice. That makes more sense.