No Regard for Self

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. [John 12.23-26]

Here, once again today, we see Jesus teaching about humility - self-abasement - caring nothing for our own life. This concept is just that today - a very little-understood concept. It is a concept that runs exactly opposite the modern culture found particularly in first-world countries. Anywhere financial abundance is found, frankly, is where the concept of self-abasement is absent.

Also, Jesus declared that anyone who serves Him must follow Him, because His servants must be where He is. Now, this is a statement worth pondering.

Where is Jesus right now? Most of us conclude that He is at the right hand of the Father God in heaven. So, how do we get there? Good question. Do we commit suicide so that we might enter heaven? Or, do we, like Jesus, focus solely upon the Kingdom of God with no regard for our own lives and well-being? All things considered, the latter seems to be more in line with the teaching of the Bible as a whole. And, the latter seems most reasonably attained in fervent and accurate prayer.

But, once again, in throwing personal caution to the wind, Jesus is clear that the Father will honor anyone who serves and follow in the steps of Jesus.

This teaching by Jesus is deep. But by this time in His earthly walk, there is not much remaining time for small talk. This brings a revealing light upon our current situation. As believers the world over survey the conditions of the world, it is obvious many, perhaps even all, of the signs Jesus said would indicate the end of the world as we know it, are fulfilled. This world has, like Jesus in the scripture passage above, reached a major transition point - time is short. Whatever it is that we as Christians are to be doing, should be being done right now!

We can be absolutely sure of the following statement as fact: We will accomplish nothing for the Kingdom of God without having first counted the cost and humbly given up our own lives for the sake of the cause.

Father, let Jesus' words be on our hearts and lives today as we consider all that is before us and do Your will with no regard for ourselves.