Matthew 16:25 AMP

[Jesus taught,] For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].

In the verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for true discipleship.  In verse 25 He is explaining that when ones whole entire goal in life is to stay free from any discomfort, pain, or loneliness, they are only living a selfish existence.  Jesus knew full well that this world hated Him and would in turn hate His disciples or followers.  They would be mocked, excluded from former friends and family, go without many of the creature comforts they had once had, and most even put to death for their stand for Christ and the spreading of the gospel.

But Jesus also knew that the only true and lasting joy in the life of a child of God is when we live our lives in total abandon to Him, not counting the “earthly” costs that will be a result of doing so.  There is nothing more fulfilling or joyful in life than following God’s will for my life.  The world does not understand it, and we should not expect them to, they are of their father the devil, they do not have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, but we who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning bloodshed on the cross for our sins, are of our Father God!  The indwelling Holy Spirit in us rejoices when we obey God and that is a glorious thing no matter the unpleasant circumstances we may be going through in the process of living a Christ-centered life.  He gives us joy unspeakable, and an everlasting peace when we keep our eyes fixed on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

This verse does not mean that we cannot or should not have earthly comforts if we live our lives for Christ, there are some false teachings out there that suggest that if you are a true Christian you must be poor and have no creature comforts.  That is not taught in God’s Word, God gives each one of His children exactly what He knows they can handle.  He is our Father and will always take care of our needs. What good father lets his kids live in squalor?  A good earthly father provides for his children and puts a roof over their heads and food in their tummies.  Our heavenly Father is no different, He loves us and loves to provide all our needs and even some of our wants.  He will not give us that which will cause us to turn away from Him, for He cares a great deal about our hearts.   He wants our hearts to be dependent on Him, not on our wealth or comforts in this life.  He wants us spending time with Him in prayer and in the reading of His Word the Bible.  Anything that keeps us from doing this, should be put out of our lives.  God demands first place in the life of His children and He is right in doing so, for we are purchased by Him with the great price of the blood of His one and only Son that He lovingly, and willingly gave up for our salvation (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Thank You Father God for all You care and keeping of me, thank You for sending Jesus to pay my sin debt that I could not pay. I love You and give You all the praise this day. Amen!