Luke 9:24-25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Christianity is full of oxymorons. Concepts, that on the surface, seem contradictory but when truly understood, make perfect sense. Concepts like, cleansed by blood.
Our text today is an oxymoron. The truth that Jesus is conveying to us seems contradictory on the surface, but it is not. This passage really comes down to this question: Would you rather live for instant gratification here and now or would you rather live for the what God has in store for us in the after life? The truth is, that, for the most part, the two are mutually exclusive.
If you cherish, enjoy and want to protect the life that this WORLD has to offer, you can certainly save it. You have the choice to take advantage of every pleasure that this world has to offer...from self glory, to riches, to sexual gratifications, to fame, to being a party animal. The world is at your finger tips and there for your taking. However, if that is your choice, if that is your focus, if that is your priority, if that is where you dedicate your life, you will be jeopardizing the glorious riches and joy and heavenly blessings that our loving Father has prepared for us.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
On the other hand, if you are able to find a way to remove the grip that this world has on us, and be willing to live this present physical life in a manner specified by our master, then we are guaranteed a futuristic, heavenly life that is far better than anything this life has to offer.
If people were to be asked: “Do you want to go to Heaven”, I think most people would answer in the affirmative. If there is no effort needed...then why not. So the question is: What is so great about this life, that you are willing to trade your eternity for? That is essentially the question that Jesus asks in verse 25. So if you were able to have everything that this life has to offer, is that really a fair trade for giving up Heaven. The answer is no. The problem for us comes down to the difference between immediate and delayed gratification. I assure you, there is nothing in this life worth trading your soul for.
Reflecting the SON,
Dennis Hogan
Questions, comments or further explanation? Contact me at: dennis.hogan@icloud.com
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