Introduction

The paradox of losing one’s life to truly find it resonates deeply in biblical teaching. This concept invites believers to surrender their self-centered inclinations and submit fully to God’s agenda for them. In a world where our inherited sinful nature often drives us to pursue personal gain, the call to relinquish control opens the door to receiving God’s abundant love and allowing it to overflow into the lives of others.

What Does “Lose Your Life to Find It” Mean

Our fallen nature predisposes us toward an inward focus, prioritizing personal ambitions and temporary pleasures. This phrase summarizes God’s guidance to us to abandon the pursuit of self-importance and selfish desires and yield to God’s plans and agenda for us to be of service to Him and others. 

We are called to Lose our life to find it.

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

We are called to follow follow Jesus model and emulate Him: Deny our own self and our earthly life as the primary focus, pick up our cross and deal with what ever suffering comes our way, and follow Jesus into new life. He set the example: He humbled himself and came down from heaven as a human infant to serve His children, He suffered and died on the cross for us. He absorbed the abuse and  forgave those who tortured Him in service for a higher purpose. He set the example, We need ot follow: Lose focus on or selves and our own agendas in this earthly life, to find  His true purpose for our lives in service of a higher eternal agenda.   

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 

When we release our grip on worldly ambitions and give up control, we open ourselves to God’s transformative power.

This loss is not defeat but a profound exchange: our limited, self-oriented existence for a life enriched by divine purpose.

True spiritual growth occurs only when we let go of our own agendas and embrace the call to live for God. Our natural inclination toward self-preservation is not only counterproductive but also contrary to the nature of God’s kingdom.

Why Is It Important

The importance of surrendering control is twofold. First, our inherited sinful nature makes us naturally self-centered and selfish. This orientation distances us from the relational love that God desires for us—a love that is meant to be both received and shared.

When we cling to our own desires, we inadvertently block the channel through which God’s love can flow, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of His grace.

Second, failing to relinquish control restricts God’s ability to work in our lives. God gave us dominion over this earth and free will to decide how ot use that dominion.

He is very clear: Our choices have consequences.

When we choose to align with Him and His agenda, He will support us, guide us, enable us, bless us, and work all things for our good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act” is Psalm 37:5.

If we choose to pursue our own agendas, control things, and work things based on our understanding, things will not work out so well for us or those connected to us. 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

When we hold on too tightly to our own plans, we essentially tie God’s hands, preventing Him from molding us into the image He intended when He formed us and put us here.

Resisting God’s guidance limits the scope of His miraculous work, both within us and through us, diminishing our potential to be effective instruments of His love and mercy.

How Do You Do It

Embrace Humility

Recognize that the true value of life is found not in self-promotion but in humility. By acknowledging our own limitations and brokenness, we open our hearts to receive God’s transformative love. This humility is the first step towards surrendering our selfish nature.

Surrender Control

Consciously decide to yield every aspect of your life to God. This means inviting Him into your decisions, relationships, and daily routines. It involves trusting that His plan is superior to our own and that His guidance is perfect—even when it leads us down unexpected paths.

Cultivate a Heart of Service

Shift your focus from self-centered goals to serving others. When you live out your faith through acts of kindness and compassion, you demonstrate the love of Christ. Transformation begins when we move from self-interest to genuine love for our neighbors.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Regularly Reflect and Pray

Consistent prayer and reflection are crucial in maintaining a surrendered heart. Engage with Scripture, asking God to reveal the areas in your life where you are resisting His will. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in the process of continual transformation.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5-6

Resources for Further Research

• Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest
  This classic devotional work challenges believers to live a life wholly surrendered to God, echoing the theme of losing oneself to find deeper spiritual fulfillment.

• A.W. Tozer’s Writings
  Tozer’s works consistently call for a deeper, more personal relationship with God, stressing the importance of surrendering control to experience His transformative power.

• C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity
  Lewis explores the nature of Christian faith with clarity, discussing the counter-cultural nature of living for God rather than oneself.

Exploring these resources and meditating on biblical truths, believers can better understand how relinquishing control is not a loss, but a pathway to experiencing the fullness of God’s love and purpose in our lives.

Embracing this journey requires courage and commitment, but the promise is clear: in losing our self-centered lives, we find the abundant, transformative life that God intends for each of us.