Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39 NIV
On the surface, this verse would seem to make little sense. If you find your life, you will lose it. On the other hand, if you lose your life for Jesus’ sake, you will find it.
But there are two distinct lives that Jesus is referring to here. The first is my life in the flesh with its physical appetites and human desires. The second is the eternal life that Jesus gives to those who take up their cross and follow him (Matt. 10:38).
If I cling to my old life, I will miss out on the new life that Jesus offers me. But if I give up this life in the flesh, I will find new life in Christ. I cannot have both.
Losing my old life does not have to involve physical martyrdom. But it does mean that I surrender control of my life to the Lordship of Jesus. It means I no longer live for myself, seeking to satisfy my own appetites and desires. Instead, I live under his authority, following where he leads. And when I do, I will experience the eternal life that only he can give.
Surrender your life in the flesh, turning control over to the Lord. And you will gain eternal life. Or cling to this life and what it offers and miss out on the real life Jesus gives.
Thank you for always posting beautiful devotions. I always look forward to reading them, and I keep a folder with many of them to share with others. ✝️✝️
I am glad. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ed,
I followed your link in a post on the FB forum, Christian Writers For Life. Thank you for the wonderful content. I am subscribing to A Clay Jar to stay up to date on your posting and am looking forward to getting to know you better.
Craig Ruhl
Faith On Every Corner Magazine
http://www.faithoneverycorner.com/magazine
Thanks for sharing. I do pray that you will find it helpful.