The first thing that comes to my mind when I read this verse is martyrdom. The countless number of men and women who have literally laid down their lives for the name of God and for the sake of spreading the Gospel.
However does this now make it a requirement for you to be killed for Christ in order to be saved? I don't think we are there quite yet, but I do think that this verse hints towards a very bold truth, anyone who considers his or her life to be above God, or His Will, or who realistically cannot ( with full knowledge and understanding of what He has done for us) submit and surrender to the Lord probably isn't in a true thriving relationship with Christ.
I've heard the phrase "kingdom paradox" many times before, especially in discussing verses like these ( you know the one's I'm talking about, those that on the surface, and because of their wording seem to not really be forming any coherent thought but really hold invaluable nuggets of truth) This verse though confusing many times, is also straight and to the point. If I as a believer hold anything with more value ( even my life) than I do God, then there is a definite problem that needs to be looked into.
I think many times we can pretend to be "simple minded" because if we do not then we are held accountable for the truth and our actions are then held up against that light.
May we not hide behind excuses but rather take a good hard look at ourselves and the true condition that our hearts are in.
It's easy to pass judgement on others and point out their imperfection or the areas in which they are falling short, but it's not so easy when the mirror is flipped and the reflection we are criticizing is our own. While the reflection is many times not pretty, it's a prime starting point and ultimately the best place to find ourselves, for it's in that state of humility that God has been known to show up and work His Mightiest.
Application: Today I will pray and ask the Lord to show me a clear reflection of the condition of my heart, and to give me an honest understanding of just how highly I can actually ( and inaccurately ) think of myself.
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