Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Matthew 16:24-26

Dear God, okay, I’m going to go old school reference here, but every time I read this passage I think of an old Silverwind song called “I am in Love.” The first verse of the song is largely these words. I think I first heard it when I was about 9 or 10. I think we even saw them sing at a church in San Antonio at one point.

The heart of this passage has been my prayer for a lot of people who have worried me over the years. When it comes to needing peace, hope, joy, and freedom, this passage is the answer. A life built around chasing my own desires is just not going to bring me peace. And a life that holds onto my sin and protects the things of which I’m ashamed will only bind me up and hold me hostage. And in the end, when all of this is happening, I’m of no real value to anyone because I have nothing to offer someone in need.

Father, help me to not forget these lessons myself. Help me to be humble, transparent, and gracious. Help me to deny myself. I try, but I’m imperfect and there are still things to which I hold on. I’m sorry.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen