Eliza R. Snow wrote:
“For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25.)
What does it mean to lose our life for His sake? It doesn’t mean we become a doormat or give up control of our own will! It does not mean debasing ourselves, disrespecting ourselves, or diminishing ourselves. It is not being servile to please others or to get our identity and recognition from pleasing others.
It does mean that we willingly and purposely and daily take His name and His image and His identity upon us and do as He asks. It does mean that we stubbornly maintain our independence from the world while at the same time yielding our hearts to the Lord. It does mean that we spend our time, talents and energy serving Him and His cause and letting Him make of us what He will. It does mean that when we take time for ourselves, it is only so that we can strengthen ourselves to serve Him better.
Losing ourselves for His sake also means losing or surrendering the world’s and our own distorted vision of our identity. . . . ~Eliza R. Snow, requoted from ‘Protecting Against Eternal Identity Theft’ , American Fork, Utah Covenant Communications, 2013). p.86
(From Kent. . . . today is a day of surgery for me. . . I would appreciate your prayers, if so inclined, Thanks!) kdm
