READING:
One-year plan: Joshua 19-21, Luke 9:1-27
Two-year plan: Leviticus 14:33-15:33, Mark 1:1-13
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“For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25).
Jesus’ question is a significant one that makes even more sense to me as I get older. As a younger believer, I could certainly understand and explain Jesus’ words. “Why,” I could ask others, “would it make it sense if you gained everything in this world but then lost your soul in the next?” Now, though, these words are even more significant to me.
Here’s why: I’m realizing more and more every day how little “all the things of the world” really matter. I know I won’t take any of our “stuff” with me when I die, but I’m increasingly learning that all the stuff doesn’t mean much while I’m living, either. It really is that: just “stuff.” No matter how great it might seem, none of it compares to knowing Jesus.
When we get there, denying ourselves for the sake of honoring Jesus isn’t that difficult.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much are you living for this world?
PRAYER: “Help me, God, to live fully for You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Joshua 22-24, Luke 9:28-62
Two-year plan: Leviticus 16, Mark 1:14-28