When kids get really serious about their insults, one of the meanest things they can say is, “You’re such a loser!” So it might surprise you that Jesus thinks being called a loser is the greatest compliment you can get.
“Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses every day, and follow me. Those who want to save their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for me will save them. What good does it do for people to win the whole world but lose their lives by destroying them?” (Luke 9:23-25).
When you think about being Jesus’ follower, it sounds like it will be easy—he did all the work of saving you and now you get blessed with forgiveness, peace, and joy. That is absolutely true. Jesus also gives a warning that following him is going to be hard. You are going to have to carry a cross—the things that can hurt you because you are a believer in Jesus.
The stuff that makes this world comfortable is not the stuff that God values. You might have to give up your stuff, your weekend sports, one or two of your six after-school activities, your free time, or your TV time if it gets in the way of serving Jesus by serving others.
When you give your time, your talents, and your money to bring glory to Jesus, you are a loser. And in God’s world, being a loser makes you a winner!
Dear Jesus, help me gladly be a loser so that I can be a winner in your kingdom! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
