Day 8 of #DailyMark. Mark 8 is loaded full of well-known and powerful statements of Jesus: “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?“, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees“, “Do you still not understand?“, “Who do you say I am?“, “Get behind me, Satan“, and “He must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me“. Books have been written about each statement and question.
The words that jump out to me today, though, are: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (verse 36).
It is a question of priorities. A question of values and actions. But ultimately, it is a question of who. Who do I serve? Is my life about me or is it about God? Am I distracted by the temporary things around me, or I am focused on the person, mission, and reality of God? I am chasing a career, recognition, reputation, relationships, things, etc at the expense of my own soul?
It is so easy to be tempted by secondary things, isn’t it? Whether big or small, we seem to be tempted every day. But when you or I give into the temptation, let these lyrics by TobyMac encourage you:
“Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,
That fight for our love, and our passion,
As our eyes are open wide and on you.
Grant us the privilege of your world view,
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.”
This weekend, re-establish your priorities and put God first.
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