Saturday, January 10, 2015
Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
LIGHT BULB NO. 6 -- SALVATION IN CHRIST IS ALL I NEED
Believers are often ridiculed by the world as uptight purists who don't know how to have a good time. Navigating life according to God's Word and staying away from sin is a tough job, especially with all the sinful distractions and pleasures in life. The Bible even states that "keeping oneself unstained from the world" is part of "pure religion" (James 1:27). But sin makes practicing "pure religion" next to impossible. Sin ties us down to the world and works to limit our focus to worldly matters. The focus of faith in Jesus sees a much brighter and broader picture for life -- service to the Savior.
In Matthew 16, Jesus turned this light bulb on for His disciples. He taught them in v. 24 that being His follower means being willing to suffer for His name. Jesus likened it to carrying a cross. We need to be ready to cut ties with the sinfulness of this world -- and even with our own hearts. That means denying ourselves and trusting in Jesus alone. We may feel like we're missing out on something better by doing this but Jesus assures us that salvation in His name is all we need.
The world's generalization of Christians isn't accurate. Hastening after temporary pleasures at the expense of your soul's care holds no lasting value. Life in Christ is the real path to joy. Jesus says that even if we lose our lives for His name, our reward will be eternal life. David expressed his prayer for God's light in his soul and the joy he received from it in Psalm 43:3-4: "Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God."
May this be your request of the Lord too! You will not be disappointed, for God Himself will be your "exceeding joy."
Matthew's Gospel records many "epiphanies" from Christ's ministry which reveal the light of truth for your life. God intends you to mine His Word daily, for through that Word the Holy Spirit will brighten your heart more and more.
