If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Matthew 10:39 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, today I let go of everything and everyone I hold close to me that I believe define who I am. I confess, especially this morning, that is difficult for me because I can see how bound up my personal identity is to my relationships, achievements, possessions, and the like. That is not to say these aspects of who I am are not important. When I think of my relationships they are. However, I must remind myself daily that they do not define me, that they are here today and possibly – actually in all reality – gone tomorrow. And then who will I be?
Yet, in You I have life. In You I am a beloved child (1 John 3:1), chosen and loved (Colossians 3:12), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and part of Your family (Ephesians 2:19). I am one with You (John 17:21). And as I deny myself, take up my cross and follow You, then and only then do I know what true life is.
So today I let go of everything that I am holding fast to believing that it will somehow enhance my “quality of life”. My relationships, though I value them deeply, I subjugate them to my pursuit of You and Your will in my life. My accomplishments, I place them not on a pedestal to be admired, but as a footstool to bring me closer to You, high and lifted up. All that I have amassed in this life I count as worthless in order that I might gain You and be found in You (Philippians 3:8-9). It’s all Yours, Lord, because it is all about You. “Here’s my worship. Take joy in it. Make it Your dwelling place, I wanna put a smile on Your face. I present my heart to You. I present my life to You.” Amen.