Mark 8:35 AMP
[35] For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake and the gospel’s will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God].
The owner of the kingdom is the One laying down the principles and practices of that kingdom. As always, the choice of responnse is left to every man. No one can make up your mind for you; no one can act on your behalf when it comes to the acceptance and strict followership of the kingdom. That is the message in the verse above. This time, we find Jesus speaking to both the crowd and His disciples. There were times when the message was for those who had chosen to follow Him, and there were times when He had to speak to the crowd to inform them of the available choices. This time, the message was for all: know who you want to follow, know the eternal life of your decision, and know quite clearly that it is personal.
There will be times that it is easier to blend in than to stand out. There will be times when it is convenient to just stay quiet and not say anything, so as not to offend anyone. Actually, it does not really matter how I defend my actions or reactions; the God of all Truth knows what my motives and intentions are, and He is able to judge righteously. As long as the earth remains, it is subject to the control and authority of the One who formed it. He is able to make all things work out for our good, if we can but trust Him. Trying smart moves outside of His will only ends up in disgrace. Thinking that you are smart and can outwit the devil, who is skilled in warfare and has been doing this for long before any of us alive now were born, is not an intelligent move.
The message of Jesus here is direct: what you do with the life you have been given has eternal dimensions. How can I secure a life that was not mine in the first place? How can I secure a life that I know nothing of its beginning or its end? It is quite critical that I find the purpose of God for my life, and not waste the time I have been given in unhealthy comparisons or competitive envy. I am an individual; God sees me as a unique person, and I will do well to focus on why behind the who I am, and what God has gifted me for. That is the basis of reward. No effort by myself can secure that which God alone can provide. Don't think you can outsmart God; if my heart is not right with Him, even the applause of the whole world will not save you. Entrust your life to the One who can save to the uttermost. God's time of favour is here.
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