Letting Go
Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me…
John 12:26 NLT
When a baby grows up and matures, there is a time of giving up the loved and favorite stuffy. In a similar way when I mature as a Christian adult, I grow up spiritually, and I give up my love of the worldly life.
It may be a love of stuff (materialism) or maybe a love of being self-reliant or both. The Lord may lead me to step out in faith. As a person who likes to “do”, it may be a time of learning to be still and know (Psalm 46:10 ICB) that the Lord is God. It is a time where I stop and just allow Him to be God, while I wait on Him.
I have read this passage before and found it a little confusing. Have you? Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me (John 12:25-26 NLT).
I found this Bible translation helpful…
The person who loves his life will give up true life. But the person who hates his life in this world will keep true life forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me (John 12:25-26 ICB).
As Jesus opens the spiritual door of service designed for me, I want to be careful not to run ahead of Jesus. He offers me true, abundant life which is different from life in this world. Jesus directs me to a life focused on Him, by guiding me with His perfect peace.
I have learned not to get too comfortable in this world and not to love the worldly life of trusting in myself. Jesus came to break the bondage of the things of this world. I am to stay free and follow Jesus wherever He leads me… letting go.
This is part of accepting Jesus and sharing my life with Him.
Father, in the quiet of my heart You speak to me whispering, “Child, let go of the things of this world that keep you focused on your self-centeredness or even self-reliance. Instead, learn to focus on Me and I will lead you to the abundant life, the true life.” Lord, help me keep my heart, mind, and soul focused on You so I will trust in You alone. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Stacy A. Davis
