“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
These were Jesus’ words, words that have been quoted and re-quoted, over and over for centuries. This speech came right after Jesus’ impassioned rebuke of Peter, with harsh words telling him not to speak and act like a devil. Emotions ran high. Sometimes it takes a man that is fired up to deliver the most important truth we ever need to hear.
“Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me!” Jesus urged.
We are not a family that wears headsets. We hear everything from all the devices. Lately, I have been hearing the same voice every night, the voice of Robert Lewis. My husband is completely captivated by his messages. Last night, I sat with him for a few minutes to listen to Robert Lewis’ teaching. “Live with the end in mind!” Pastor Lewis urged the men in the audience, repeatedly, in earnest.
This week I was jolted twice by the passing of two well-known personalities in their 60s. Too early, too young, I thought to myself. My father once said to me, “Every year you live past age 75, you steal it from fate.” He was about 77 at the time, and he is still stealing as he has cruised past 80.
If I were to live my life backward, from the day I meet my Maker to the present day, what would I be doing right now?
I would be doing exactly what I am doing at this very moment, writing about life, faith, and eternity, about love, purpose, and dreams.
We only live this day once and it will be gone. Don’t waste it on anger, regrets, and bitterness. Don’t be on a cruise to Nowhere. Make today count.