Daily Devotion, 2/27/21

Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:35).

Jesus cautions us regarding where we should center our lives. The one who seeks to save his life is the self-centered person. He or she is fixated on this life. The emphasis is on behaviors that will improve one’s position in this life. The person who wants to accumulate more and more “stuff,” or more status, is self-centered, focused too much on this life while neglecting the life to come. Such a person may give lip service to God, but his heart is in this world.

Jesus tells us to release our hold on this life and live for Him and the gospel. After all, this life is very brief and eternity is forever. When our focus is on this life, it raises this question – – – Do I believe in God and His Son? Do I embrace the gospel which promises forgiveness and eternal life?  If I believe Jesus is the Son of God, won’t that impact how I live? Won’t I turn away from the things of the world and make Jesus central in my life?

Father, help me to understand that this life is brief, and eternity is forever. May my efforts be focused more on Jesus and less on myself and this world. I know I will find true life through trusting and following Him. In His name, I pray, Amen