Lose Your Life

I believe that our current sermon series “Maze” has been one of the most relevant series we’ve put out in a while. Both Russ and Marty have done a fantastic job navigating the issues that get us off track and cause us to loose our way in our daily walk. Denial, Doubt, Discontent, Direction…all issues that most of us have faced or are facing right now. As I shared with our LifeGroup this past Sunday evening, the one that really hits home for me is the issue of Discontent.

Discontent is this overarching feeling of dissatisfaction with where you are in life….where you live…what you drive…how many kids you have…what your spouse does or doesn’t do…how much money you have in the bank……….I think you get the picture.

I have no doubt that discontent is a silent epidemic in today’s society. Who we are and what we have (or don’t have) defines us in most circles. It is for this reason that most of us, whether we realize it or not, are constantly seeking out ways to elevate ourselves to the point where we think we will find contentment. That’s the irony of the situation. If your contentment is found in a job, status or possessions…you will NEVER be content…because there will ALWAYS be something bigger and better.

What we don’t realize is that this response within us is really a sort of self preservation reflex. We think that if we are accepted by the right people or have the ability to buy whatever we want…that ultimately we are enriching our existence…we are achieving real life.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” What do you make of that? If we are seeking to be Christ followers, which side of that sentence are we supposed to be on? Are we supposed to be finding our life…or losing our life? I think the answer to that question actually comes in the sentence before in verse 38 when Jesus says, “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” The taking up of one’s cross was reflective of a march towards death. Criminals, and later Jesus, would carry their own death instrument to the site of their ultimate demise. It’s quite poetic.

So, by truly following Jesus…we are taking up the instrument of our own demise…but, in doing so we find life?? What does that mean?

While the answer to that question could probably fill a few volumes of theology books…I think that very simply it means that the true decision to follow Jesus brings with it a complete abandonment of pride, selfishness and self preservation. It comes with a willingness to do anything or go anywhere no matter what potential embarrassment or danger might be lurking around the corner. It is complete abandonment to the will of God…forsaking your own. It may sound stupid…but, it’s actually faith. Faith is willingness to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth (both literally and metaphorically) because you know with complete trust that He is good and that His intentions are supreme. This is the kind of faith that Abraham had…and Scripture tells us that it was this kind of faith that was attributed to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).

Now, that may not sound like the gospel you’ve heard…but, it is definitely the gospel described in the Bible. It’s radical and dangerous…but, it is what brings us true life. Is this the kind of faith you’re living…or does this sound foreign?

When you consider this Abrahamic faith in comparison to the consumer-focused lives that most of us live daily…the things we find ourselves pursuing seem really petty. In my quiet time this morning, I came across James 4:1-4 which says:

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people!” (ESV)

This is descriptive of the tension that arises when we claim to be followers of Jesus, but yet we have not surrendered to his will. It’s like adultery. We want the best of all worlds. We want to claim Jesus…but, yet still live for our own pleasure. It doesn’t work. It creates conflict. It breeds discontent.

So, how are you seeking to live this out daily? I have no doubt that I fail miserably in completely availing myself to God’s will, yet I do desire to abandon myself to Him. I’m certain that this is the source of the “freedom” in Christ that the Bible talks about. Remember, though, its not about what you can do…it’s about what He has done. This week, seek to put your life into context. Examine your wants and desires and then compare them to what you believe to be God’s will for your life. Seek to live in such a way that you are open to Him. Align with God through study of His word and communicating through prayer. Seek to cast off all of the selfish pride that is dragging you down and leading you into discontent.