By Aaron Hazzard
Matthew 16: 25-26: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
Luke 9:23: “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.’”
Recently while listening to a Men’s Fraternity segment by Robert Lewis I was reminded of the great paradox embedded in Christ’s teaching, “Die to Live”. As we pursue the journey of transformation that we are all called to, the application of this truth holds the key. Christ implores us that this is a daily choice; we must daily take up the cross of execution that puts self to death. After all, self and all its desires is the battleground Satan uses to raise opposition to a sovereign, loving God and the redemptive union He desires for us. The manifestations of selfish desires attack us daily; lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life. Consider this: only “dead men” are immune from these attacks. So better to die early in the day, each day, if that would be symbolically possible. Not only do dead men not get attached, neither do they have any fear. How would you approach the challenges of this day without fear? Dead men are taken to another place to enjoy rest and peace. Could you use a little of that? Perhaps you have come to experience additional dimensions of living the “dead life”. How about adding these privileges and victories to the dialog so we can all share? Don’t these seem more like rewards to be enjoyed anyway? This is God’s design. Which brings me to the second paradox. “The greatness of God rouses fear within us, but His goodness encourages us not to be afraid of Him. To fear and not be afraid – that is the paradox of faith.” A.W. Tozer. Couldn’t have said it any better myself.