2/18/10 Luke 9
Profit
(Lk 9:25)25“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
Are you seeking to gain the whole world? You may think that is a strange question to ask, but the truth is that there are many rich and poor, strong and weak, famous and insignificant, that are trying to gain the world. There is an internal desire which craves more and more. It could be money, power, fame, knowledge, etc. It comes in many different forms and it may be localized to your world (sphere of interaction). What happens is when you gain any particular thing that you seek in your sphere of interaction, you may find yourself on the top and then your sphere of interaction and influence increases. Then you pour yourself into profiting in this new sphere of interaction. It is similar to the hamster that continues to run on his wheel, but never reaches the end. There is no end to the deception of gaining the whole world. In the business world we call it “climbing the ladder.” People spend their lives seeking to profit in their world. Many have said what a terrible thing it is to climb the ladder only to find out that it was leaning against the wrong wall. We learned from yesterday that pursuit of riches and pleasures can be a fruit spoiler in your life. (Lk 8:14)14“The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
To protect us from such failures Jesus instructs us what we must do. As normal Jesus words and wisdom go in the opposite direction that is natural and worldly. Jesus states in Luke 9:23 for us to deny ourselves. That does not sound very promising if my desire is to gain for myself, but Jesus says this is the way, trust Me. Jesus also says in this verse to take up your cross daily. Now that is going to far Jesus, you mean you want me to first deny myself and then commit myself to suffering, scourging, and slander, to the point of death? Yes, that is what it means to follow Me. Jesus words teach everyone how to have the greatest profit anyone could ever have. The profit he is talking about far exceeds anything in this world and that is eternal joy and life in His presence forever. Are you seeking to gain the whole world? Why?
(Ga 2:20)20“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
(Ga 5:24)24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Prayer: Majestic and Glorious Father, I praise You for Your wonderful works and for Your words through Jesus which instruct me to live my life that results in true lasting profit. Lord, forgive me when I have the eyes of the world and I seek and crave the things of this world. Give me the grace necessary to faithfully deny myself and take up my cross, and follow Jesus. I pray that I would do this faithfully and that I would seek Your will and not my own. Give me contentment and peace that so many desire, but seek apart from you. Thank you that I have another day to serve You and my precious family, may I not take for granted the riches possessions that surround me; my family. In Jesus Name, Amen.