John 12:25-26
[Jesus said] Anyone who loves his life destroys it. And the one who hates his life in this world will hold on to it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Forgive us when the focus of our existence is on making the best life we can make now. We don’t like being uncomfortable; we can get wrapped up in having the latest comforts here and now. But you give us a warning that loving this life will destroy it. Is today’s happening really the most essential? The world wants us to think this way. Advertisers tell us: “be all that you can be!” (US Army’s old slogan©) Or “Have it your way!” (Burger King©) They want us to “Just do it!” (Nike©)
But, this place will never give us the best life we could possibly have. The best life is reserved for heaven. So, you added, “the one who hates his life in the world will hold on to it for eternal life.” This life’s creature comforts should never be the focus of our existence, nor chasing after the heart’s every desire. Instead, give us focus on building our faith even if it means suffering now and disliking this life so that we will be your servants and hate everything that pulls us from you. Give us trust in you, so we prioritize everything to serve you because our best life will be in heaven.
Please send us your Spirit so we will follow and serve you. So that as your servants, we will be the Father’s honored heavenly guests. Lord, thank you for caring for us providing our daily bread. More importantly, feeding our faith through your word and sacraments so we focus on what is truly vital—heaven. Lord, may we share this message with someone new today. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
This life is in a blink of an eye when compared to eternity. So, where should we place our conviction?