“ I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
Ever have a loved one who went through a tremendously hard season of life but instead of looking to God they look around and then within? Their response to the loss was to become completely wrapped up in themselves. They do not care to hear how hard anyone else’s trial is because their trial is the worst thing ever and the only one that matters. They shut others out. It's heartbreaking to watch.
Ever been there yourself?
I think we all face the temptation to withdraw in a season of loss. If we are not careful we can end up in a perpetual pity party that leaves us all wrapped up in ourselves.
Everyone goes through their season of loss. Going through a season of loss does not make someone more of a sinner than everyone else. At the time it may seem like the judging hand of God. In Luke 13:1-5, there were some that equated loss with judgment for sin. If we allow ourselves to believe the lie that loss equals judgment and we judge others in that way, we will eventually condemn ourselves in the same way.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matthew 7:1
“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1John 3:20-21
Don’t let the lie that loss equals judgment cause you to become totally wrapped up in yourself! Perhaps the best gift you could unwrap this Christmas season is yourself. Get unwrapped from yourself and start focusing on true JOY!
Jesus - His gift of forgiveness and salvation
Others - their need for the Savior.
Yourself - your purpose of reaching others with the gospel.
In that order. JOY! It's Christmas!! Time to unwrap the gift!
Loser2021 Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “perish” in Luke 13:3, our verse for today.