Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever * wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever * loses his life for My sake will find it. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS
Matthew 16:24-27 NAS
REFLECT
As we continue in this summer of focusing on “soul-care” we must ask the Holy Spirit to search our soul and schedules to take a look at our priorities, responsibilities, and the desires that drive us. This enables us to fully submit to the Holy Spirit, asking God to tend to that which is His will and pull out the “weeds” that are taking up time, space, energy and other resources that are keeping our souls from flourishing.
Of course, we immediately think of anything that we know is a sin and ask God to tend to those habits like being quick to anger, gossip, bitterness, pursuing riches at the cost of relationships or compromising godly values, unforgiveness, etc. These are a few of the many things that we might try to justify in our lives, as worldly wants and wounds often sow seeds of sin that get scattered into our character. We ignore the pain and problems these behaviors cause us and others, excusing ourselves or making excuses because of the trials that trigger this behavior instead of treating it and receiving help and healing. We must pray and submit to God to get to the root of this rotten fruit in our lives that are currently staining and straining our soul.
As a follower of Jesus, we are not talking about losing your salvation but as Scripture says, “putting away” all the things that compete for your purity and purpose. It will also help you to pray for others who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior in strategic and specific prayer where you see Satan’s steal, kill, and destroy strategy at work in their lives with worldly desires that they are willing to exchange their eternal soul salvation for momentary earthly satisfaction.
In Matthew chapter 16, Peter has just gone from “rock” to “stumbling block” as Jesus responds to Peter’s loving but earthly short-sighted desire to protect Jesus from being put to death. On the surface this seems like a good, loving, and even noble thing to say, but that’s the stumbling block. Often, we forfeit God’s best “Yes” for a lesser immediate earthly desire that appeals to how we feel in the moment.
Jesus addresses the root and then the solution to keep our soul submitted to God in the following verses. The first verse is found in verse 23 as Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." This is the fork in our road, the decision we must continually address throughout life, “Is my mind SET on God’s interest or man’s?” In every desire and decision, we must submit to God and ask Him to saturate our soul with His desires as we set our mind on Him.
Secondly, verse 24 tells us that we must deny ourselves and “take up our cross” and follow Him. We must be willing to serve and even suffer for His sake. The narrow path is not the earthly easy street, but as we throughout Scripture, it is the eternally rewarded road.
Third, you must know that you know that you have submitted your life to Jesus, that you confessed your sin and your need to Him as your Savior and have professes He is the Lord of your life. Know that your soul is secure in His salvation given by His grace through our faith in Christ alone. You have peace with God and are filled with all joy and peace in believing, so let your faith overcome anything the enemy who whispers fear, lack, or rejection to your soul.
Lastly, seek and receive your reward from God. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Abundant life flourishes in all that He pours out to you from His glorious riches in heaven. Live for His glory and let Him fill your soul.
Will you please join me in prayer?
Thank you, Jesus for Your everlasting love that You willingly suffered, died and defeated death as You rose from the grave and offered us grace for the forgiveness of our sin and eternal salvation. We submit every earthly desire that distracts us and ask that You help us set on mind on the things of God. You are our Shepherd who guides us to Your goodness for Your glory. Please tend to the sin and distractions in my life that tempt me to forfeit Your purpose, provision and protection for anything that will perish. My greatest desire is to stand in Your presence and walk in Your power to put away all that seeks to pull me away from You. I submit my soul to You for Your supernatural care. In the healing and hope-filled name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President | NDP Task Force
