“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” (Mark 8:34b-36)
Jesus here is calling His disciples to the denial of the self as the requirement for entry into the Kingdom of God. That is not the same as self-denial in which we deny things to ourselves at times such as food or water or material possessions in an attempt to discipline our fleshly appetites and build up our spiritual strength. Denial of self involves surrendering my whole life with my wants and desires to God to do what He wants. This is the ultimate purpose of life: “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?”
Instead, however, greed and envy ran amok in our world. Such selfish behavior is tolerated and even proclaimed as the norm. Millions these days greedily desire wealth, fame, power, and recognition. They look around at how much glory notable people such as actors, millionaire business magnates, and politicians receive, primarily for their talents, looks, and position, but also for their boastful self-glorification. The rash of store looting that is gripping our nation is one manifestation of greed.
In the light of all this many, even many Christians, are thinking: “What is the use of following God? Others do whatever they want and get what they want. And I deserve it the same. It’s my turn now. Why shouldn’t I get what they have?” Such folks see themselves as the center of the universe and insist everyone to cater to their desires and demands. This is a sure ticket to hell for these folks, unless the Lord calls them to repentance and faith, for they think they are god with the right and power to force others to give them what they want. Though the governmental authorities and media groups look the other way at crimes, God sees all. He will exact justice on the guilty unless hat guilt has been taken on by Jesus.
The faithful members of the Kingdom of God however, do not make demands but thankfully get what they do not deserve. We members of God’s kingdom are granted the blessings of eternal life by Jesus who died for our sins. But we cannot just sit idly by and live a life of ease and luxury: we are called into the service of the Kingdom. A disciple of Christ puts his/her trust in Jesus alone.