The following scripture reminds me of giving up what I hold most dear and that in trusting in covenants, ordinances and promises I lose nothing:

• For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26)

Am I willing to give up what’s dear to me? 

• And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Abraham 3:25)

It’s easy to give up something that means nothing to me but not so easy to give up what I love. The question is, “Will I let the thing I love stand between me and the Lord or trust Him when He says, “whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” knowing that I haven’t lost anything at all?” Nothing comes before the Lord.

• Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)