Seasons: Spring — Wednesday
Matthew 10:39
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (NIV)
I heard an interesting story recently about a man who refused to give up his seat on an airplane. A family boarded the plane and wanted to sit together, but a particular man wouldn’t give up his seat to allow the family to do this. Unfortunately, an argument broke out and the flight attendant was called to settle the matter. The flight attendant offered to let the man come with her to a different seat. At first, he refused, but the flight attendant explained that he was being moved to first class. The point of the story was that sometimes, we can be so reluctant or just flat out refuse to give things up, but all the while, God is offering us something better.
Today’s verse encapsulates the story above. Jesus tells us that when we try to find our life, we will actually lose it. However, when we choose to lose our life for Jesus, then we will find it. At first glance, this may sound confusing. How can someone find life if they choose to lose it, and how can someone lose their life if they’re actively searching for it? What Jesus means is that when we chase earthly pleasures or anything in this world for meaning, our spiritual life suffers. We may chase comfort or security or happiness outside of Jesus, and sadly, all of those roads lead to death. However, when we choose to trust in Jesus and endure hardships for His namesake, then we become spiritually alive in Christ. When we forego the pleasures and comforts of this world for the hope found in Jesus, what we find is far better than anything this world has to offer.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Is there something in your life that you are striving for more than Jesus? If so, are you willing to surrender that to Jesus today?
