a reason to die for

Thabiti Anyabwile, Thinking, Loving, Doing (p. 97-98):

"'Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it ... If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward' (Matt. 10:39, 42 NIV). Christian, throw safety and security and ease and comfort and convenience to the dogs! Give yourself to something greater - the glory of God and the joy of God. Jesus is our reward. Lose your life for Jesus and the gospel so that you will find your life. Give that cup of water - in other words, do even small acts of mercy in the name of Jesus and the gospel - and you will have a reward you cannot lose. Count it all loss so that you might gain Christ. Stop fearing man - and go get your reward, which is loving fellowship with God in heaven. God is your portion, your inheritance. And to everyone who goes out with the gospel of the kingdom, God gives himself as the fulfillment of all their hopes and joy. Go get him."