“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39 (NIV)
Courage and sacrifice are staples for the Christian life. This applies to leadership as well.
The context for this verse is Jesus’ instruction to His disciples as He sends them out. He doesn’t mince words. He tells them the unvarnished truth regarding what to do and what they will face. Read Matthew 10.
Jesus’ disciples can expect resistance, hardship, persecution, and even death. They must be willing to pick up their cross and carry it. Otherwise, Jesus says they are not worthy to be His disciples. To take up one’s cross essentially means to do God’s will under all circumstances.
As daunting as this sounds, we can never outgive the Lord. Jesus suffered and died on the Cross that we might receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
Living our lives for Jesus will not go unrewarded. Whether we give our life in one brave act or expend it a day at a time, Jesus promises we will find real life.
It’s true because God can’t lie.
The content of this Devotional comes from “Daily Strength for the Battle (You, God’s Word, 5 Minutes): Volume 6 Developing the Leader in You” (2020) and is copyrighted by Scott and Judy McChrystal. Used with permission.
