MAY 14

Matthew 16:24-26
Memorise Matthew 16:24
“if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul”

The regenerate person with a renewed mind does not follow the world. The world is bent on seeking wealth, fame and celebrity status. Here Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up the cross. What does that mean?

When we come to Christ, there is a reordering of our priorities and aspirations. We begin to learn how to deny ourselves, and realise that in our lives, Christ must increase and we decrease. Christ must rule in our life. Jesus demands total commitment from all who follow Him. We must be prepared to give Him our all - all that we are and all that we have. This is a radical change from the way the world lives. We, who walk in the Spirit, are called to dethrone self and lay aside the pursuit of our “rights” and ambitions. Jesus also tells us to take up our cross. This puts practical action to the idea of self-denial. It should lead us to say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). We are to be faithful and obedient unto death.

Jesus requires of us that we value our souls above the world. The people of this world value things of temporal value. In Luke 12:15 Jesus taught, “for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” The foolish rich man in Luke 12:16-21 sought to build more barns for his worldly goods, hoping to protect and preserve his wealth. But God pronounced him foolish for in the process he lost what which was of infinitely greater value – his own soul. How much better to lose this whole world and follow Jesus instead.

Dear teen, your academic achievements are not the most important thing in the world. Whilst you must be diligent in all that you do and you have responsibilities as students and to your parents, remember to keep your eye on the things of eternal value. The things of this world will pass away. They will be burned up when God judges the world. May the Spirit remove from your life anything that hinders whole-hearted devotion to Christ.

Thought: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot
Prayer: Lord, help me, with my selfish ambitions, to daily die to self, take up the cross and follow You all the way.