The Gain of Loss
J. T. Higgins. Luke 9:24 For whoever will save his life shall lose it: but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. I. WHAT IT IS TO LOSE THE LIFE, The term "lose," as here employed, is to be understood in the sense of parting with, giving up, surrendering; and when the act is done it is to be treated as something entirely gone, completely lost. You observe another thing here, also, that this is not loss in the ordinary way. Usually when anything is lost, it is either by carelessness, indifference, or bad management, but always against the will of the loser. And even in cases where none of these conditions apply — where the utmost care, attention, and good management are exercised, and losses occur, they would be prevented if possible. But this is not so in the case before us. Jesus says, "Whosoever will lose his life," or "Whosoever will save his life," showing that in either case the act is deliberate and willingly done. No man is forced into a sinful life, nor is any man compelled to become a Christian; in both cases the will of the actor is left free and unfettered, hence his responsibility. And it is just here where the test becomes so keen and crucial — the life — the entire life. Men would more readily accept discipleship if the conditions were easier, if they could be met half-way with some compromise. But we are met by men who raise objections to this doctrine of complete and unconditional surrender to Christ. They say it is too hard a thing for human nature to do, that men must be more than human to comply with such conditions. That it is more than human nature in itself can accomplish we freely admit. II. WHEN AND IN WHAT DOES A MAN WHO LOSES HIS LIFE FIND IT? 1. The gain is present. Self-love, love of the world, or the things of the world, as a primary and all-absorbing principle of the soul, is ruinous to the entire life — the soul. But the man who sets his affections on Christ and things above — such a man saves his soul and secures his interests for eternity. This consecration to Christ brings present gain. A man gives himself up to the service o! God, and what follows? He keeps his life. A Christian man only can be said to be a living man. He has Divine life in the soul, born of God, re-created after the similitude of the heavenly. Has he not gained then richly, abundantly, yea, transcendently, in giving up his life for Christ's sake? 2. The gain is eternal. The advantages and pleasures of a Christian life, as they relate to the present only, more than compensate for any sacrifice which that life involves. But see I how rich to repletion is the Divine method of repayments" he shall keep it to eternal life." "Ye are dead," — referring to the old nature where death unto sin has been produced — "and your life" — the new creation, or life Divine in the soul — "is hid with Christ in God" — safe, inviolable, doubly secure, kept by Divine power and grace unto the time of eternal redemption. This is the now — the present, the here, of probation and pilgrimage. And are not these honours and immunities the loss of which worlds could not compensate? Oh then t who would not lose the life for Christ's sake? Loss by Christian service is a misapplied term; there is no real loss, for even in those times when we are apt to think the loss or sacrifice the greatest and most severe — when we have to suffer for conscience' sake, then the compensating principle is working most vigorously in our lives, giving back to us an increase of riches that gold cannot purchase; advancing, refining, and fitting us for nobler company, and writing for us some fresh record that shall give increased emphasis and sweetness to the Master's " Well done" at the last. This subject suggests three thoughts. 1. The present makes the future. The NOW is everything to us. 2. This is the time of preparation. That of retribution. 3. For what, then, are you living — Self or Christ? " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (J. T. Higgins.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. WEB: For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.