Got Life?

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he 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]

Here, more than in any other teaching of Jesus, we see the Law of Reciprocity in its most profound presentation.

The Golden Rule is a good starting place for the one desirous to live for God, but it is not the end. The end is found, as one would suspect, at the end - in death.

Jesus taught about giving. Some erroneously think "Give, and it shall be given unto you..." is about money, but its not. Although Luke 6.38 could apply money, it was stated in the context of forgiveness. And the reciprocity of giving forgiveness is more serious than money could ever be!

Here, in today's reading, Jesus takes the Law of Reciprocity to the ultimate level. To lay down one's life for the Kingdom is the only way to save it. Of course, this includes money. It definitely includes forgiveness. It includes everything.

Society today has largely adopted self-centeredness as not only normal, but desirous. From self- help to self-esteem, "self" is front and center. Of course this is presented in a most logical argument that if 'you don't take care of yourself, how can you ever take care of others?' Sadly, while that argument does make great sense, it does not, in any way, match up to what Jesus not only taught, but demonstrated.

The only "life" is found in laying down the life we think we have. It is the classic work of deception that we have placed so much value on our own life. And, the classic deceiver is Satan.

Got life?

Think about that.

Father, I know You are speaking to me today. I know it us right to "lay down my life" for Your Kingdom. I know I have bought-in on lies of the world and its its father Satan when I try to preserve my own life. Forgive me for my self-absorbed philosophy on life.