Take Up Your Cross and Follow JesusSample

Set Your Mind on Things Above 

This is probably the most challenging verse in the Bible. The Lord begins by saying, “Whoever desires to save his life...” Isn’t that what all of us are doing? We are busy saving our lives. We in fact go to God and say, “Lord, please save my life.” We say this in different ways, but that is the sum of our relationship with God. While being preoccupied with saving our lives, we also like to take time out to do or be involved in some kind of activity, which we can term - “matters pertaining to the kingdom of God”. 

However, the relationship that Jesus is talking about is on an entirely different paradigm altogether. If we desire to save our life, we will lose it. If we lose our life for Jesus and the gospel, we will save it. 

Essentially, Jesus is calling us to hate our life in this world (John 12:25). Now, we must be careful when we interpret verses; we should always look at scripture in the light of the entire teaching of God’s word and not draw conclusions based on one verse or passage. So what does hating our life in this world mean? God desires that we do all things for His name and for His glory but with a sense of detachment from the world. God is not asking us to leave the world, but as we live here on earth, we are called to be men and women of excellence who are detached from the world’s idea of success. The symbols of success of the world must have no sway over us. Our worldview is for the things of God and His kingdom (Colossians 3:1-3). 

Thought to ponder

What are you seeking? What are you motivating your children to seek? If it is the symbols of success of the world, be aware that you will lose your life.