IT'S THE ONLY WAY
We as humans do everything we can to be comfortable and live in luxury. Our tendency is to live life for what’s in it for me. We live in a “me" centered society; “my name is Jimmy, I’ll take all you can give me." I am often mesmerized by the way God created this universe to function because, at face value, it seems polar opposite of how the natural mind of man thinks. Jim Elliott made this famous quote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This is truly a profound statement! The only way to live a great life here on this earth is to live with the mindset of sacrifice. All gains, in this life, are found through some form of loss. It is through losing something of value, like comfort, luxury and popularity that we find the life that ends up with the true sense of all those words.
Luke 14:26-27,33 "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters––yes, even one's own self! ––can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.” (MSG)
Everything that God created is set up on the principle of sowing and reaping. (see Mark 4) It is the loss of a seed that creates a plant of many seeds. It is the breaking down of muscle that produces more muscle. Looking at the words of Jesus in the Scripture above, you can surmise what he said by this; if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people and kiss it goodbye, you can't be my disciple. I remember my father speaking of a son who was unwilling to give up the dollar that he had in his hand in trade for what was in his father’s hand, not knowing that there was $100 bill in his hand. Often we hold on to the things of this world so tightly when God is trying to give us things from his hand that are far greater!
There's nothing in this world, including even family and marriage, that is as wonderful and fulfilling as God himself and what he has to offer! As we trust God's word, humbling ourselves to all that he has said, we will step into the life of love, victory and power! The war of the universe is waged in the mind of man! God is longing for you to let go of the negative way of thinking this world offers and accept the truth that will unlock heaven's freedom and prosperity! The quickest way to honor is through humility for, as the Scripture’s say, "the greatest will be the servant of all” and “before honor comes humility.” Mk 9:35, Prov 15:33 If you truly want to gain real and wonderful life, then you must be willing to lose it all!…