“Only those who throw away their lives for my sake & the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” Mrk 8:35 LB
Yesterday the NBA held it’s annual draft. A handful of young men have achieved the dream of thousands to play basketball professionally. Glance at the sports page or ESPN and you will see pics of foolish smiles wearing caps of the teams that have selected the wearers. Having it all in your early twenties. Yet we all know that many of these young men will end up miserable, even penny less or destitute. They will “throw away” what appears to be an unbelievable opportunity. We will shake our heads in disgust when we hear how these lives turn out. Yet most of us will do even worse. Throwing away an even greater opportunity.
Haven’t you heard the advice: “Don’t throw your life away.” Sometimes it’s given by a parent to a child who is wanting to marry an “undesirable” or make an unconventional vocation choice. Maybe it’s confided to someone too attached to a vice like drugs or unsavory friends. But Jesus says it’s the only way to live.
Most of us as we grow older are at least surprised at how our lives turned out and are often disappointed at the choices we made, maybe even believing we “threw our lives away.” It seems many folks never realize the real purpose of their lives. They may never find a real dream or chase dreams that don’t satisfy. The only attainable dream that truly satisfies is to follow the Savior. We were created to be friends with God and nothing else will do.
The good news is that we all get the chance and it is never too late to follow, but sooner is better than later. The thief on the cross that chose Jesus missed out the life he could have had. He had a few minutes of knowing that paradise was his destination, but lost out on years of satisfied following.
Christianity isn’t a one time decision or a cultural way of life. It’s tossing away our concepts of purpose and satisfaction for the sake of Jesus and His commission. It’s been said before and often, but it can’t be said too often, because we really seem to have a problem getting it and keeping it. Most of us aren’t drafted into the NBA and offered millions to play a game. We are all offered the opportunity to live a life of total satisfaction and purpose. Let’s not blow it.
Be blessed.
Nick
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