The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)
As he gained speed going down a hill, the young boy racing along on his bike saw a sharp turn just ahead. But the speed was exhilarating, so he paused a second–and then another and another–reluctant to apply the brakes. He hit the curve at full
speed. When he hit a bump, he lost control and found himself flying off the bike. Both he and the bicycle were a bit mangled, but survived. But he learned the simple truth that sometimes we must give up something we enjoy in order to get something
better–or simply to survive. That is true in the physical realm, but even more so in the spiritual realm.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35) Giving something up in obedience to God might sting a little. But in the end, it’s the only course for keeping our bike on
the road and living our best possible life.
