Then, calling
the crowd to join his disciples, (Jesus) said, “If any of you wants to be my
follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If
you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life
for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do
you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything
worth more than your soul?” – Mark 8:34-37 New Living Translation
Mark’s original audience for his
gospel was the Romans. They knew all too well what ‘taking up your cross’
meant. It was a form of execution. So this phrase meant simply that they must
die to themselves. This is the ultimate submission. It is required of us as
well. Jesus tells his listeners to ‘give up your own way’. Those who strive to
keep their own way of living will lose it.
Believers shouldn’t give up their own life
because their life is useless, quite the contrary; not even life itself can
compare to all that is gained by submitting to the will of Christ in our lives.
Those who strive for worldly success will lose their soul in the process. They
don’t realize this, which is why God doesn’t send anyone to hell; they go of
their own volition. Their ignorance as to what is truth and what is a lie is
their undoing.
The pleasures of this world are for but a
season; the abundant life that accompanies following Jesus is unmatched, all
that plus eternal life too. Nothing this side of heaven can compare with the
blessings that await those who faithfully serve the Lord. Until next time, walk
with the King and be a blessing!
Resource:
The Life Application Study Bible
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