At the People's City Mission I hear many heartfelt stories of people going through difficult circumstances: broken homes, lost jobs, abuse, addictions. Sometimes it is hard to listen to, especially when children are involved. Yet difficult circumstances are not the worst thing that can happen to a person. In the passage above, Jesus talks of an even greater tragedy - a wasted life.
 
No one wants to live a wasted life. Yet many people find themselves focused almost entirely on things that, by themselves, do not satisfy. They are absorbed with finding the right job, the right wife or husband, having a family, owning a home, keeping good friends, building up an adequate retirement. But very little is going on in their lives of eternal significance. God calls everyone to different places and stations in life, but everyone is called to do something more than just survive it. Jesus said if we lose our life for greater purposes, we actually save it.
 
So here's a question for you. What things of real value are you spending your time on? Make sure you are not wasting time on things that don't really matter. Take time to find those greater purposes God is calling you towards. Remember, your life is worth saving!