Mark 8:35 - The Right Way to Find Happiness.
Mark 8:35 (NLT) If you try to hang on to
your life, you will lose it. But if you give up
your life for my sake and for the sake of the
Good News, you will save it.
In our selfie culture of today, people
have literally died trying to get the ultimate
photos of themselves by doing something dangerous.
We want to look good and give the appearance
that we have it all together. Basically, were
obsessed with ourselves.
The Bible even says that one of the signs
of the last days would be that people will love
only themselves: In the last days there will
be very difficult times. For people will love
only themselves and their money. They will be
boastful and proud, scoffing at God (2 Timothy
3:1-2 NLT).
Is that not an accurate statement of
today? In contrast to our narcissistic culture,
Jesus said, If you try to hang on to your life,
you will lose it. But if you give up your life
for my sake and for the sake of the Good News,
you will save it (Mark 8:35 NLT).
Jesus was effectively saying, If you
get your priorities in order, if you deny
yourself and take up the cross, you will find
fulfillment in life. Theres nothing wrong with
wanting to be happy. But it wont come from
chasing happiness.
Heres what you need to know: Selfish
people are unhappy people. Studies have confirmed
this. You can get a momentary burst of what we
might call temporary happiness by doing something
selfish. But as one expert pointed out, selfish
happiness fades quickly and then drives you to more
selfish behavior.
On the other hand, acts of selflessness
bring happiness. Many of us know this from
experience. When weve done something for someone
else, putting the needs of another person before
our own, weve experienced happiness.
Thats really what Jesus was saying.
You wont find happiness by pursuing it.
Youll find it by putting God first in your life
and following Him. [Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Mark 8:34-37 - FOLLOWING JESUS.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211023-0935.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE