It’s difficult to understand, this concept that we all have eternal life. Here Mark looks at it in two aspects. One is life lived here on earth in time, while the other is lived in eternity, in a place of our choosing.

Jesus said to His disciples (followers) that putting all their efforts into a this earthly life will net them an eternal residence where He is not. They would lose that expected life.

By the same token, He said that if they gave up their life here, their forever life with Him would be set. This word is for us today, as well.

Does that mean we have to die to have eternal life?

Yes, but not necessarily in the way you’re thinking.

See, giving up your life isn’t merely death, it’s sacrifice. It’s stepping out of your “me, me, me” life into one of service to and for the Savior.

It could mean giving up that extra sleep to prepare breakfast for your mate or children. It could mean going to work when it’s unbearably cold. It could mean stepping past your sense of awkwardness to talk to that person. It could mean serving in a soup kitchen or jail ministry. It could mean any number of things, but it will always be you giving up your life for those moments to serve Jesus and live the Good News.

Note that this sacrifice of our lives isn’t born of obligation. Not at all. This sacrifice is freely given. It’s offered to the Savior as a gift, not a trade. We do it as a byproduct of the love we have for Him and for the people He puts in our path.

What we choose here determines our there. Will we choose life there by sacrificing ours here, or will we choose death there by serving self here?

Choose well, my friend. Choose life.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

Remember, you can view this devotion and others over on my YouTube channel.