Following Jesus

"I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul." That line from Toby Mac's song popped into my head reading today's devotion and the words of Jesus found in Mark 8. The lyrics of that song express the struggles of the believer to keep God first, and not be lured into the luxuries and pleasures of this world. The songwriter, like many of us, is all too familiar with that battle. I am sure not a single one of us wants to lose our souls. However, I know I too often feel the tug to gain more in this world; more money, more conveniences, more free time, more of what I think will make me happy, more, more, more.

Do you feel that tug, too? Or are you ready and willing to give up whatever it takes to be certain that your faith was secure and your trust placed only in the one who can give you TRUE life? Do you find yourself living as Jesus' beloved disciple, John, who followed his Lord to Golgotha though his very life may have been at risk doing so? Or might you sometimes relate more with Peter, who probably had grand ideas of what life with Jesus would mean for him, Jesus' "right-hand man", to find yourself later, cowering in a corner, denying you even know Him when the pressure comes?

Living in this world as a sold-out follower of Jesus is not an easy task. Jesus knew it wouldn't be easy, so he prayed for his followers in the garden the night before his death. After his resurrection, he also sent us his Spirit to comfort and strengthen us for our call to follow. The same Spirit that took cowering Peter and transformed him into a BOLD, DARING witness for Christ is the same Spirit we have received in our baptism. WOW! Peter once DENIED knowing Jesus, yet later DIED for following him.

This lent, let's reflect on what it means to truly FOLLOW our Jesus. What will we give up? What are we willing to lose? What does it mean for me to "lose my life" or "take up my cross"? Jesus was willing to lose his life for us. May his Spirit transform our hearts and minds, giving us the courage and strength needed to do the same for him!