"Measure"

 If life’s only measure,

Is gaining earthly treasure,

Barns torn down for building bigger ones.

Our eternal bank is empty,

When there is grace a-plenty,

To show that we are truly heaven’s sons.

But lose your life to gain it,

Jesus did explain it,

Hand to plow and nevermore look back.

‘Cause narrow is the pathway,

By God’s grace we won’t stray,

But focus on the Lord and stay on track.

The cross He said we’d bear it,

Deny ourselves we swear it,

Die to self and every single day,

Seek first His reign and follow,

Else all our claims are hollow,

Jesus Christ is Lord that’s what we say.

“Then He said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24, NIV)

The fundamental cost of discipleship is summarized here by Jesus. Denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus is all about renouncing self-government. We dethrone our egos and embrace Jesus as the practical, day to day Lord of our lives. Holding onto control ultimately leads to losing everything that matters, but surrendering control positions us for God’s greatest blessing. It’s not something anyone can fake and those who try are obvious. So are the ones who really do it.

Lord, help us follow You without reservation, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Teal Blake, used by permission. Thanks, Teal, and God bless you.