Mark 8:34-38
Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?
Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I got to watch my 15-year-old second cousin cheer for her girls’ basketball team this week in the state tournament, which is hosted at our gym. My cousin has played basketball since she was six. But this year, a friend persuaded her to try out for cheer instead. Her team won their first game, but they were defeated soundly in the second round. From what I’m told, they could have used my cousin’s skills on the court… and she says she will return to the team next year.
I am sure my cousin had fun cheering and being with her friends this season. But I could tell that she sees this is not where she really belongs. She was persuaded by her friends, as we often are… and while this was not a life-or-death decision, I think she wished she was out on the court with her team-mates and not standing on the sidelines.
We do so much of this in our spiritual life. We listen to the wrong “friends” and influences… and let’s be honest, they are often the devil’s agents! We lose our way, if only momentarily. We want to give up our old life and follow Jesus, but we are often scared to death to really do this. What if our old friends desert us? What if it’s not as much fun as we had hoped… or no fun at all? What if people it costs us… socially, emotionally, and financially? Because you see, we may have to change jobs or friends… or even distance ourselves from family members. We might have to move to another apartment, dorm room, or even college! A choice might have to be made about staying with a significant other, or even changing church families!
What could you give to get back your soul? The better question is… what would you give to get back your soul? It may not seem like our choices reflect a shame or embarrassment about our relationship with Jesus, but that’s really what is going on here. If we are not ashamed – if we are not afraid – if the Influence in our life is the Son of Man, and not Satan, we can boldly make the right choices.
What we choose… and who we choose to associate with and/or follow… defines in large part our relationship with Jesus Christ. Who are you listening to… and following… today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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