Lose

Matthew 16:24-26 — Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

I seek to save my life,

and I lose it.

I seek to satisfy myself -

my desires,

my satisfaction,

my expectations -

and I end up nowhere.

I seek to gain the whole world -

gratification,

idolatry,

envy -

and I lose my soul.

I lose my life for You, Lord,

and I save it.

I seek to deny myself and follow You, Father -

Your instruction,

Your glory,

Your wisdom -

and I have complete purpose.

I seek to crucify myself to the world -

temptation,

lies,

selfishness -

and I gain eternal joy.

When I have in mind

only the mere concerns of my flesh,

I stumble and fall.

When I have in mind

the concerns of God,

I am firmly planted and cannot be moved.

Amen.