Nineteenth-century preacher Charles Spurgeon once spoke of the importance of surrendering “one’s whole being to the great work of seeking to honour him [Christ]. Oh! I have striven for that: would to God I might attain unto it! I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to him.”
This “one prayer” is inspired in large part by Jesus’ words in John 12. In the physical realm, a seed must die in order to produce life and come full circle to then produce many seeds (v. 24). The same is true spiritually (v. 25). It’s a paradox: to love life in this world is to “lose” or “destroy” it and gain nothing, but to “hate” life in this world is to “keep” or “guard” it and gain eternal life. Jesus uses the strong word “hate” as a hyperbole highlighting the contrast. Not only should we not place our values in the temporal standards of this world, we shouldn’t try a “hybrid approach” either. We must be “all in” on living for Christ (see Luke 14:26).
Jesus led the way. The context is that the time had come for Him to be glorified, that is, for Him to go to the cross to die (v. 23). He would be the original Seed, and in giving Himself, He would win eternal life for all who believe. “Whoever serves me must follow me,” He said, meaning that we, too, must have the same mindset (v. 26). In comparison with following Christ, we must “hate” our lives in this world and die to self (Matt. 16:24–25; Gal. 2:20).
This does not mean we’re to throw our lives away or seek out persecution or not enjoy His blessings. Rather, we’re to spend our lives wholly and completely on the right things—to make our life choices with eternity in view.
Go Deeper
What does it mean to die to the world or die to ourself? Can you think of a time you gained by putting “to death” sinful choices?
Pray with Us
Heavenly Father, setting aside our earthly desires and priorities isn’t always easy. Forgive us for the times we choose these things over You. Help us to be “all in” for You.
If it dies, it produces many seeds.John 12:24
