Losing (my)Self

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? Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

Have you ever had something, anything, anyone – that you held onto – oh so very dearly? Only to lose it?

I have.

And not just one time. Countless times.

In my life, there have been too many instances where I have valued things, people in my heart, more than I should have. Dare I say, more than God. This should not be. Ever.

Denying ourselves means denying our flesh, denying those things and people that we place above God, denying those things and people that separate us from God. Sometimes, sin is so subtle, that it’s the feelings that we have for others (inordinate affection). I learned this the hard way. Sometimes God has to remove others from our lives when we allow them to become idols in our hearts and love turns to idolatry.

I’ve been there before and I’m thankful that God saved me from myself.

I’ve loved people. I’ve loved things. I’ve loved jobs. I’ve loved houses. All created things.. I’ve loved – idolized, if you will, more than the Creator.

I’m thankful for all that I have. I’m thankful for all that I have not. I’m thankful for all that I’ve gained. I’m thankful for all that I’ve lost. Most of all, I’m thankful that God has opened my eyes and allowed me to see that it’s greater to deny my self, to lose it all and save my soul!

*Original image courtesy of Yours Truly ☀️🤍🌺