What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Mark 8:36 NABRE
Jesus is speaking to many providing very specific instruction about what is the cost to be a follower. Following Jesus we must deny ourselves, take up our cross (burdens) and then follow Jesus. It is clear there is suffering, it is hard to be a follower of Jesus. However the rewards are great. Jesus declares if we are influenced by this world it may cause us to forfeit our life. Jesus warns, we can have life here that is filled with riches, power, influence and luxury, and that is ok, but if we need to do anything that compromises our relationship with Jesus to achieve these things it is not worth it. Greatness in this world is nothing compared to the glory God has prepared for true followers. Unfortunately, we chase things today that cause us to lose our life but we don’t recognize a comprise we are making. In politics we hear much discussion about tolerating a flawed political candidate in order to have the one good thing they promise, abortion being a premier example. If a politician promises they will work hard to eliminate lawful abortion many “Christian” people will get on board with that candidate regardless of their other qualities. Often we recognize a politician is disregarding many of Jesus’ teachings; love neighbors and enemies, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and these are overlooked if the one promise is made. Jesus doesn’t want us to gain the one thing if we lose our life doing it.
We must be careful; if we are not loving all people we are not true followers of Christ. Love requires action; health care for all, equality, fighting poverty, a fair justice system. We must love all people, not just the unborn.
Do you seek influence over life? Do you work for the gain of all people?
We must be careful; if we are not loving all people we are not true followers of Christ. Love requires action; health care for all, equality, fighting poverty, a fair justice system. We must love all people, not just the unborn. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #life #gain #Mark #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways