And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:34-37
On the May 28, 1914, the RMS Empress of Ireland set sail from Quebec bound for England. Among the nearly 1,500 passengers aboard were almost 200 members of the Salvation Army traveling to London for the organization’s international convention, including Canada’s national commander and the entire Canadian Staff Band. Just a few hours into the voyage, in the midst of a dense fog, the ship collided with the Norwegian coal carrier SS Storstad. The impact tore a massive hole in the liner’s side, and water quickly flooded the vessel. In only fourteen minutes, the Empress of Ireland sank beneath the waves, claiming more than 1,000 lives. Among the victims were 171 Salvation Army members, many of whom reportedly gave up their life jackets and places in lifeboats so others could escape. Witnesses later recalled hearing them sing hymns and share their faith with those around them in their final moments.
This life is not about our own comfort, benefits, and preferences. When Jesus calls His followers to take up the cross, He is calling us to exchange our priorities for His. Each day, we must place the interests of others ahead of our own and live with eternity in view. Even if we were to gain all the wealth, success, and possessions this world can offer, our lives would still be a failure if we have not lived for Christ first. Jesus demonstrated this pattern for us. He not only sacrificed Himself on the cross, but also willingly laid aside the glory and riches of Heaven to come to earth in humility and poverty. His example is the model we are commanded to follow.
