Even Unto Death

I have been reading the DC Talk book called Jesus Freaks. I have owed this book for years and have read it many times before, but this time is different. As I am reading God has caused me to really examine my heart about my motives, my love for Him, and my willingness. As I have been searching my heart I did realize that I love Jesus, but I don't love Him unto death as the people in the book did.
To tell you about the Jesus Freak book. It is a collection of true stories of those who have been persecuted and even martyred for there unfailing faith in Jesus. They are stories from all different countries and from all different time periods. There is actually a volume 2 book as well. I have them both, and they are wonderful books. I would recommend these books to anyone. It will encourage you and enlighten you. Also, I believe all christians should be aware of the suffering of their fellow sisters and brothers all around the world. Even in this day in age christians in other countries are being beaten and some even killed daily for their true christian faith.
Like I was saying before, as I read this book I am convicted in my heart of my lack of loving and serving Jesus unto death. I'm not saying God has called me to be persecuted or die. What I am saying is that when I imagined myself in the shoes of these people I realized I probably would of caved under persecution and threats of death. This realization showed me that I value my life more than Jesus and the true Gospel.
Jesus said Himself that "If you try to cling to your life you will loose it, but if you loose our life for His sake you will find it." (Matt 10:39) I am also reminded of another scripture. Jesus also said, " Don't store up treasure here on earth, where moths eat them, rust destorys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasure in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (Matt 6:19-21)
Why would I want to put value in a life that will someday end. I don't want to cling to a life that could end by a simple accident at any moment or end by long suffering down the road. Where is the value in the end. What would I have gained after all is said and done. I don't want love the things of this world my than my Lord. When I do die, I can't take them with me. They too will have no gain. I choose to put my value in Jesus. I am so thankful that He is not like man. Though I may fail even myself, He will never fail me. I find value in God cause even when I was stained and damaged goods, even undesirable in His eyes, God still loved and valued me, so much so that He sent Jesus to die for me (and the world) so I could be made clean and whole. If God could value me that much, I will value Him just the same and even unto death.
Oh God, take my heart and its motives and make it pure in your eyes. I pray that my treasures would be in you and also the things you find valuable. Pray to love You above my own life, even above the life of others in my life. That no one or nothing would take Your place as Lord, King, God, Savior, Best Friend, Lover of My Soul, etc... I love You Lord, and I pray to love You even unto death, however it may come about. Amen.