Priorities

In the end of Matthew chapter 16, Jesus speaks to His disciples about what is truly important in life. He stresses the importance of denying ourselves and taking up His cross. He doesn't promise us an easy life if we follow Him. He only promises us and eternal reward. The life of a Christian on earth will be a life of cross bearing. The only way to gain eternal life in heaven is to surrender our lives here on earth. Some Christians literally lose their lives for the faith. Others must live a life of surrender to Christ. There is also another option that Jesus mentions. We can keep our lives for our own and live for ourselves here in this life, but that will mean eternal loss and doom. It's not worth it. Jesus said that one soul is worth more than the whole world. Many a man has given us his soul to gain worldly fame, prestige, or wealth, but that man has made a grave mistake. He has given up true, everlasting life is exchange for temporary good in this life. What a shame!

 
 

Lord, help me to keep my life in perspective. Help me to see the true value of my soul and not be willing to exchange it for anything here on this earth. Help me to see the value of the souls of people around me. Help me not to value earthly gain more than reaching out to help some troubled soul. Help me to always put Your work first and temporal things next. Help me not to be caught up in making money or enjoying life so much that Your work suffers. Help me to keep my priorities just as You would have them.