Winning and losing, dying and living - John 12:24-26

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

John 12:24-26

I knew a man who had the sole goal in life to have the largest bank account on the block where he lived. He and his wife were incredibly frugal – in every way – even to the point of buying shoes on sale that were too large and padding them with newspaper. When they did pass, only a handful of relatives to inherit their years of savings and sacrifice. Honestly, I’m not sure they appreciated or approved of their choices or lifestyle. 

This seemingly counter-intuitive concept Jesus puts forth about losing and gaining, dying and living is hard to grasp on a timeline or lifestyle that is tied to our “instant” lifestyle. However, it is true that the more love we share, the more love we receive in return. The seeds we plant become the harvest we reap. 

 What am I planting? How am I following Him and doing His work? What am I allowing Him to grow in my heart today?