THE DISCIPLINE OF RELINQUISHING OUR THRONES

There is a way of living, a lifestyle, worthy of everyone's life. In fact, all other lifestyle options have been proven to be inferior. The key is recognizing this before one's life is too far gone and capitalizing on it. Whatever we might have thought the world could provide as a way of life or our own creative powers - neither the world's plan or our plan is more fulfilling or enduring than a life with and for Christ Jesus.

Matthew records Jesus saying, "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." (Matt. 10:39) 

What must be noticed here is the phrase "for my sake". This phrase is not in the first situation mentioned (before the comma) - "Whoever finds their life will lose it,". This is important because in this first scenario whatever anybody finds as their lifestyle is devoid of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Consequently their life is forfeited or lost.

However, if one lays aside all lifestyle options except Christ's or "loses their life for my sake", you will find a purpose, fulfillment, endurance, abundance and way of living that is eternal - you "will find it".

This takes an initial surrendering of your body, mind, heart, dreams and plans to God. These things are so much better in His hands anyway. These things can do much more, be blessed and be much more of a blessing with everything surrendered to God. Exodus 33:15-16 records the strong sentiments of Moses in this regard. "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?'"

So, I encourage you in this thought today. If you are at that point where you need to "lose" your life for Christ's sake or lifestyle, then make that change, you will not be sorry. Realize, however, that even after you are living a Christian lifestyle, there will be the continued struggle to sit upon The Throne of our Heart, Mind, Body and Soul. It is lesson after lesson of losing our lives again to His will; to His plan. It is The Discipline of Relinquishing Our Thrones.