Jesus encouraged his disciples to give up their lives for the kingdom. Do that, he says, and you will live.

These words are intense—even harsh, like bad-tasting medicine. But the effect is life-­altering—the gaining of our soul.

What can we possibly give in exchange for our soul? We must deny our own pride and ego. We must deny that we can manage this life on our own. We must deny our sinful impulses to do things our way. We must deny our very selves. We must take on ourselves the cross that Jesus bore for us—and follow him.

Jesus went the way of the cross to die, to lose his life—only to take it up again. We are invited to do the same. And we will be saved. For whoever loses their life of sinful human impulses—pleasures, pursuits, pride—for Jesus, will find life to the full. (See John 10:10.)

Jesus asks us to receive his grace, the Father’s love and mercy extended through him, and to simply follow after him.

Maybe it’s not as difficult as we think.