“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 10:39-42
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America uses the phrase, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to describe the inalienable rights given to each of us by our Creator. However, I have always wondered what the pursuit of happiness looks like. What does it look like for you? Is it the pursuit of money? Is it the pursuit of status? Is it the pursuit of fame and fortune? What does happiness look like for you and what are you willing to sacrifice to gain that type of happiness? The truth is, there are many who have sacrificed much in order to gain a comfortable, happy life here on earth.
Jesus told his disciples that whoever chases the things of this world and earthly pleasures will lose true life, which is an eternity with our heavenly Father. Whoever is willing to sacrifice their life in order to follow Jesus and be his disciple will find true life in Christ. The life of discipleship is not about pursuing earthly happiness but following the will of God. We are allowed to be happy, but I have heard it said, happiness is circumstantial, while life and joy come from the Lord. We are called to follow the will of God; that is where we will find life, joy, and peace.
Seek life and joy from the Lord.
Andrew Christman, a proud veteran of the US Army, serves as a hospital chaplain in Columbia, SC. He is a graduate of Wesley Seminary (IN) and an ordained Wesleyan pastor.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
