Matthew 16:26 (HCSB)
What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his life.
This is one of the several scriptures where the Lord emphasized the individual and his or her life. In Mark 12:31 the Lord also commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. All the scriptures about self-denial and discipleship may leave many wondering if all there is to following Christ is pain and suffering. Christ quickly dispelled that negativity by pronouncing both earthly and heavenly blessings on His disciples (Mark 10:29-31). This day and age when wars are raging for survival and self-preservation, it's difficult to differentiate between personal interests and the common good. Illogical as they may seem, the commands of Christ not only help us survive in this age but the one to come.