Luke 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

To understand this statement, the meaning of “his life” or one’s life must be understood. What is someone’s life? Is it the material things they have, the things they say and do, or is it their feelings, desires, emotions, actions, thoughts, and other bodily reactions to living in the world?

 

The Greek word for “life” here in Luke 9:24 is “psyche”, which by Strong’s definition means the following: 1. the breath of life or 2. the soul – the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, and aversion…

 

Therefore, the first word “life” spoken of in Luke 9:24 represents feelings, desires, affections, emotions, dislikes, etc. which are the body’s initial reactions to living in the physical world.

 

Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

But Galatians 6:8 also implies that there is another life that can be gained, which also relates to the second life that is spoken of in Luke 9:24 that is saved by losing “his life”.

 

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Here in John 12:25 it further clarifies that the first life is the “life in this world” which is a person’s feelings and reactions to living in the world. Therefore, here it is saying that he that loves the manner in which his body instinctively responds to the physical world will lose the real life that is worth saving for eternity.

 

Phl 4:6-9, 11-13 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. ... Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

“Christ” that strengthens and helps us do all things is a mindset or a way of thinking. The world has all sorts of upheavals, so the physical body’s initial response to living in the world when times are hard is worry, fear, pain, and other stressful feelings, however, loosing that part of “life” and hating that part of “life”, and instead be carefree (i.e. “careful for nothing”), thinking on positive things (i.e. “honest,..good report”), and being content means we are focused on the Spirit (i.e. “sowing to the Spirit”) rather than the “flesh”. So,

 

Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So, be ye transformed by renewing your mind, and save your life.