Lose Your Life
Brother Neff’s Collections
Originally Published January 10, 2015
August 2, 2025
Mt 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
The goal of many professional athletes can be summed up in Vince Lombardi’s comment, “Winning isn’t everything – it’s the only thing!” A ball club can outplay its opponent for most of the game, but according to this view, if they lose in the final minutes of a game their effort means very little.
The Christian outlook on the “game” of life is a little different. Look at the example of Jesus Christ. He was committed to doing the Father’s will—no matter the cost. His disciples and supporters wanted quick religious, political, and personal victory. His life and attitude led to what looked like a tragic defeat. Voluntarily, He allowed Himself to be arrested, beaten, and crucified for wrongs He did not commit. He was willing to lose His life to do the will of the Father and to purchase our salvation.
We must follow Christ’s example. It won’t be easy to sacrifice time, money, and friends to serve Christ. But if we are willing to do that, we will find that winning the approval of men isn’t worthy of being compared to the joy of serving the Lord.
When it comes to serving the Lord; you win by losing.
Reflection—If you want to be rich, count the things you have that money can’t buy.
