to give one’s life for others
“Father, if you wish, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” -Luke 22:42
Have you ever had hard-to-define moments in your life when you didn’t want to do something, but you knew it was necessary to serve God’s purposes in your life?
At the beginning of our walk, this may mean giving up addictions or harmful behaviors at the foot of the cross. As we move forward, it may mean standing up against false mindsets or overcoming our fears about what others think. We may experience this when we decide to share the gospel with someone, or step out of our comfort zone and do things we are afraid to do.
Just as in marriage a husband gives his life for his bride, so Jesus gave his life for his bride. As Christians we are to lay down our lives for others, so that they may fully experience the life of Christ.
This does not mean that we do anything and everything that others want from us. Yes, it means submitting to divine leadership. But it means listening to God’s voice in your life, receiving His direction, and following it. “But whoever looks carefully into the perfect law that gives freedom, and keeps it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing the same – blessed will be what they do.” -James 1:25 It means making sacrifices and being uncomfortable so that other people can experience life.
John Maxwell said, “If we are growing we will always be outside our comfort zone.” In fact, if we are not experiencing some discomfort in our calling, it is possible that we are not very dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.
As Christians, we are responsible to serve and give our lives for those we have been called to touch. Are you ready to give up your life?
