Today’s scripture: Luke 9:23-27 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
You get what you focus on — that’s just what the universe does.
Someone told me that the other day and I really took it to heart. Greek philosopher Aristotle is quoted as having said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” I love that because for me it applies to my new-found life as an exercise nut. There are many days when I don’t feel like working out, but I hear or read words like these and I get fired up all over again. I remind myself that I am investing in my health and overall happiness.
But as it relates to my spiritual walk, I often ask myself, what sort of investment in the growth of my soul have I made today?
In our reading today Jesus poses some probing questions to challenge our ideas about what is a worthwhile investment of our time. In every decision we make every day, we are setting a road map for the type of person we are becoming.
The kind of person we are — our character — determines to a large extent the kind of future we will have.
Can you imagine gaining all the things you have set your heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that you’ve missed the most important things of all? I have often wondered what value material things have if they don’t help us gain what truly lasts in eternity?
Neither money nor possessions can buy heaven, mend a broken heart, or cheer a lonely person. Jesus asks the question: What will a person give in exchange for his life? Everything we have is an out-right gift from God. We owe God everything, including our very lives.
It’s possible to give God our money, but not ourselves, or to give God lip-service, but not our hearts. A true disciple gladly gives up all that he has in exchange for an unending life of joy and happiness with God. God gives without measure. The joy God offers, no sadness or loss can diminish. The cross of Christ leads to victory and freedom from sin and death. What is the cross that Jesus Christ asks me to take up each day? When my will clashes with God’s will, then God’s will must be done.
Thought for the day: Are you ready to lose all for Jesus Christ in order to gain all with Jesus Christ?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.