John 12:24
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
I have the privilege of living in the Pacific Northwest where salmon go through their life cycle. For many species of salmon, they spend several years at sea before returning to spawn…after which they die.
Think of that! They go through extreme ordeals to return to the place they were hatched where the female lays hundreds of eggs. The male fertilizes the eggs and then both parents die. Through death there comes new life.
In today’s Scripture, Jesus is teaching a positive lesson about death to selfish ambitions. It is possible to hold tightly to one’s life rather than giving ourselves for others. He was about to lay down His own life in order that others may inherit eternal life. He died that others may live.
We have family and friends who are observing our actions as well as hearing our words. Sadly they often see us living more for ourselves than for others. What does it mean to spiritually die for others?
- Always put Christ first in your life.
- Live beyond your comfort zone.
- Be willing to give until it hurts.
- Repeat over and over: “Not my will, but Christ’s be done,” then do it!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil