Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24  As humans, we tend to do everything we can to be comfortable and live in luxury. Often we live life for what’s in it for ourselves. Our society tends to be 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 the 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! To live your very best life here on earth, you must have the mindset of sacrifice. We have all heard it – “no pain, no gain.”. Those who are willing to give up what’s comfortable or popular will be those who will experience their best life! Here are Jesus’ 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 death of a seed that makes a plant with 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, being a disciple of Christ is not possible.

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 a $100 bill in his hand. Often we hold on to the things of this world so tightly when God is trying to give us something from his hand that is far greater!

There’s nothing in this world, even including 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 all negative thoughts this world offers and wholly accept the positive truth that will unlock heaven’s freedom and prosperity!

The quickest way to honor is through humility, for, as the Scripture says, “the greatest will be the servant of all” and “before honor comes humility.” Mk 9:35, Prov 15:33  Your greatest life will be found in the act of dying to what is comfortable so that you can have new life! Are you willing to be the seed that is planted and dies so that you can bear much fruit? If you want to gain real and wonderful life, then, like a seed,  and as Jesus said, you must be willing to…

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