Loving Life or Hating Life

"Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

— John 12:25

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

This statement perplexes me. One would think we are to love this life we have been given. I equate "loving my life" with being grateful for this life, for finding joy every day in this life, for approaching every day with thankfulness. But You make a startling claim that if I love my life, I will lose it. And that if I actually hate my life in this world, I'll have eternal life.

It seems that the clarifying words are "life in this world." This life is not my home. I am a pilgrim and a sojourner waiting for my true home. Philippians 3:20 says that my citizenship is in Heaven. This world and this life is not my home. 1 John 2:15 says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world." That includes this life. This world and this life within it will pass away. If my life in this world is my focus, if I find my happiness in this life alone, I will lose it. But if I love my life in Christ and the life that is to come, I'll hate this life by comparison. One commentator wrote, "The man whose priorities are right has such an attitude of love for the things of God that it makes all interest in the affairs of this life appear by comparison as hatred." (Morris)

Gracious Lord Jesus, may my gratitude for this life not be exceeded by a love for this life. May the joy I find each day be the joy of Heaven I find in You. May I approach each day with thankfulness that You are with me today in this life but remember that You are preparing me for my eternal home, the better country—a heavenly one—that I am truly longing for (Hebrews 11:16). Lord, today may my love for the things of God make all interest in this life seem like hatred by comparison. I long for my heavenly home, for the life that is to come, and until that day may I hold this life loosely, with open hands, and allow You to use this life to serve Your purposes.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen! 

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