I was thinking of a song from my teen years, Tighter, Tighter by Alive & Kicking. Two lovers pledging their hearts yet worrying that they’ll lose each other (you can see it here on Youtube https://youtu.be/D_JxpggC-Ic). It made me think of how the most natural thing to do when it seems like something important to me is coming apart is to try and hold it together. If it’s a vital relationship that seems to be slipping away, I try to find a way to strengthen my grip or hold on tighter. When pressure comes we look inward first, to our selves for the solution. We focus on it and then inward to come up with an answer in hopes of eliminating any loss. The problem is the more we try to save our life, meaning whatever that “important” thing is, we’re destined to come out the loser. Jesus gave a strange solution to this continual problem that everyone faces: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35).
In no way, I am implying that we ignore or abandon or neglect life. But this verse about being a disciple has behind it “who’s the boss.” Our daily lives, not just eternity, belong to the Lord, not to us. Maybe we need to ponder that first. Because once we’re convinced that our lives are not our own, that we’ve been bought from the slave market of sin by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, I now belong Him and He has a greater purpose for me on this earth, then I’m free to “lose” all things about my life into His care for me. If he cared enough to die to settle my eternity, certainly He cares enough to provide the means for my today. But I can only experience that provision if I’m willing to allow Him to shepherd me. Giving up can bring more gain than I ever could provide by holding on if I’ll believe it into His care.
Peace,
Pastor Mark
Rom. 8:32