"If it dies, it produces many seeds."

An excerpt from Pursuing Justice by Ken Wytsma

"We did a sermon series at Antioch a number of years ago about what it looks like to give your life away.  The short answer is that it looks different for every man, woman and child.  When it comes to how God wants us to give our lives away, there is no formula.

To discern the path God would have you walk, begin with repentance.  Lament the problem of pain and the ache of injustice in the world. Ask God to lead you, and listen long and intently for His answer.  Be willing to obey unreservedly, no matter how big or small, no matter how heroic or mundane the task God sets before you or the path God calls you to walk."

John 12:24 - "Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies - it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

Can you imagine Jesus tossing the seed into the field and locking eyes with the disciples one by one before driving home the point that when we give our lives away new life appears?

Giving your life away may mean that you die to your selfish desires and give life to a family member who is dying. Giving your life away may call you to die to your shopping habits in order to bring life by being generous with your skills and resources.  Giving your life away may mean that you die to the luxury of a big house so that your family can move to another part of the United States or another country to serve as missionaries.  Giving your life away may mean that you die to a dream-career to take care of your family.

Giving life away is a paradox. It's losing so we can win.  It's giving so we can receive. It's faith.  It beckons us to gamble all, to trust radically, to come and die so that we might live - to give our lives away.