Eternal profit and loss

Jesus said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them, if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (verses 23-26)

Read Luke 9: 21-43a

When the Communist party came to power in East Germany after World War II, the churches were suddenly deprived of the state financial aid they had been accustomed to. Concerned members began a doorknock appeal. Their opening question was: ‘Is the cause of Jesus Christ still worth something to you?’

What is the cause of Jesus Christ worth to you? Does it mean the world to you? Is it infinitely more worthwhile to you than anything this world has to offer? Is Jesus your ‘pearl of great price’, your ‘priceless treasure’? (Matthew 13:44-46).

Or are you tempted to place more stock in ‘having it all’, in ‘getting and spending’? Are you more concerned to pile up riches for yourself than to be rich in God’s sight? (Luke 12:21) As you climb the social and economic ladder, are you in danger of becoming so wrapped up in this world’s delights that you forget to thank the Giver of every good gift? Are you becoming ashamed of your Saviour and his cause?

Jesus, my priceless treasure, keep me from being ashamed of you and your church. Amen.

by Greg Lockwood, in ‘Time Out a word from God’ (LCA, Openbook, 2008)

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