The tragedy of wasted lives

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16.25-26

I normally begin thinking about these devotions the night before I write and post them. In fact I am making a note now on Saturday night because I thought of this verse while watching Eurovision. If have never heard of it that is grand. It is a campy, kitschy, silly song contest between the nations of Europe. After the French entry the Irish commentator mentioned how much she looked like Amy Winehouse.

I honestly had never heard of Amy Winehouse before she died last year at the age of 27. These tragic young deaths intrigue me. She was as immensely popular singer who had everything to live for. She was pretty, popular, and incredibly rich. She was an amazing musical success. But at the end it profited her nothing. After a life of substance abuse and emotional issues she drank herself to death in July of last year.

Amy joined a whole list of great young stars whose lives were tragically cut short despite their attractive looks, incredible talent, and great wealth.

Why does this happen?

Jesus has the answer to that question right here. Some of this folks seem to have the world at their feet. They can do or buy whatever they want. But when they have lost their souls they have nothing.

Jesus says that if our goal is to save and preserve our own loves we are going to lose it all. He asks the rhetorical question ‘What profit is there is you gain everything but lose your own soul? What will a person give up in exchange for their soul?’

We find true life when we are willing to give everything up for Christ. That is the true cost of discipleship, but the rewards are eternal. If we pursue our own life we are going to come up wanting. If we forget about our lives and follow Christ we will one day have it all.