Listen to this challenge that Dr.Bilezikian, a New Testament scholar, gave to his students in light of Mark 8:34-35 which reads “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” This is what he shared with his class:
“For 6 months, take the great gamble. Follow the model of Jesus with reckless abandon. Take advantage of every opportunity to serve—even if it seems like something insignificant. Be the one who opens the door for others. Choose the back seat of a car so your friend can sit in the front. Take out the garbage even though it’s not usually your job. Volunteer to stack the chairs after the meeting. Take the arm of the elderly woman negotiating the stairs in the department store. Open your eyes. Keep your servant’s towl handy. Monitor the condition of your heart week to week. Then ask yourself: AM I GAINING OR LOSING?
”And if you want to, try it the other way. Every chance you have, put yourself in the center, be demanding, ask the world to revolve around you. Push your way to the front of the line. Disappear when it’s time for the dirty work, the menial tasks. Bow low every morning in front of the full length mirror. Then step back and honestly assess. Are you becoming closer to God and people or more isolated? Is your life fuller or emptier? ARE YOU GAINING OR LOSING ”
What do you think?
Willing to take the gamble? Even for a week? Perhaps for just a few days?
If you decide to try–post your conclusions on this blog.
Dihan
Posted by odpcsermons 