Losing Life or Finding It?

“All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them.” — Mark 8:35 (CEB) 

Here’s a moment that may resonate, either we’ve been the person, or have witnessed it: the parent (grandparent) standing in the aisle of a school auditorium, phone held high, trying to record every second of a child’s recital. 

The intention is good — preserve the memory, capture the moment. But sometimes, in focusing so hard on getting the perfect video, we miss the joy or the moment happening right in front of us. We end up with a recording, but we miss the experience itself.

Jesus’ words in Mark 8 invite us to notice how easily this happens in our spiritual lives. We cling tightly to our own plans, our own protections, our own definitions of success. 

Often, it’s fear that tightens our grip — fear of losing control, fear of getting it wrong, fear of not being enough. 

We work hard to “save” our lives — to keep everything under control, to avoid risk, to hold on to what feels safe. But in doing so, we can miss the larger, more beautiful life Jesus is offering. 

Like the parent behind the camera, we can become so focused on preserving something small that we lose sight of the bigger gift unfolding.

Jesus isn’t asking us to throw our lives away. He’s inviting us to loosen our grip. To trust that when we release our need to manage everything, we make room for God to lead us into something deeper, freer, and more whole. 

Losing our lives for his sake doesn’t mean neglecting who we are — it means letting go of the fear that keeps us from fully living.

So today, consider where you might be holding the camera too tightly — clinging to something small in hopes of feeling safe. Where are you trying so hard to “save” your life that you’re missing the life God is trying to give you? What would it look like to lower the phone, take a breath, and simply be present to the moment God is offering?

God is always inviting us into a life that is larger than our fears and more spacious than our plans. The question is whether we’re willing to let go long enough to receive it.

Holy One, loosen my grip on the things I cling to for safety. Teach me to trust you enough to release what holds me back. Help me see the life you are offering — full, deep, and grounded in your love. Lead me to live with open hands and an open heart. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim