I woke up this morning thinking about the quote, “In order to gain something, you must be willing to lose something.” I don’t know the original source but wonder if it’s a modern take on Matthew 16:25, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” I understand the biblical call to deny myself and follow Christ (v. 24), but I wondered how this quote applies to me as a mom, wife, and friend starting the summer. Does it truly apply to all circumstances?
I started reflecting on different struggles in my life and the lives of my friends, where we all desire to gain something. Join me in some brainstorming.
My Body, Health, and Fitness
Bible Verse: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
- Loss: Time, eating whatever I want, laziness, excuses
- Gain: Improved strength, healthy body, increased energy to serve the Lord.
My Home
Bible Verse: She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 NIV
- Loss: Excess possessions, energy, having to prioritize
- Gain: Organization, a stress-free living space, mental clarity, minimalization
Time Management
Bible Verse: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
- Loss: Requirement of self-control, less screen time
- Gain: New opportunities, less stress, peace
Biblical Parenting
Bible Verse: Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Proverbs 29:17 NIV
- Loss: Personal time, energy, focus, parenting from a chair
- Gain: Children who learns first-time obedience, self-control, peace
Daily Quiet Time
Bible Verse: I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
- Loss: Sleep, phone scrolling, TV watching
- Gain: Learn about the God who created me, conversations with the God who loves me, wisdom, growth
Summer Success
Bible Verse: Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7 NIV
- Loss: Letting go of old habits, sacrificing my to-do list, more dirty clothes from outside play
- Gain: Children who are learning to love God “with all [their] hearts and with all [their] souls and with all [their] minds and with all [their] strength.” Mark 12:30 NIV
Are You Losing to Gain?
As I look back over this list, I see a common thread.
- Loss: Sleep, what I want to do, social media, excuses
- Gain: Personal relationship with God, peace, energy to serve, self-control
Anything worth gaining is worth the sacrifice. What do you need to loss in order to gain? I’d love to brainstorm with you in the comments.
Dear Lord, make our hearts willing to lose what we must to gain what You have for us. Amen.
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