What does this mean, Lord? What is the connection of the second saying to the first? The secret of progress in and to the Father's Kingdom is in self-giving. So long as a person loves himself and serves his own interests he cannot progress: he is hidebound by the ropes he winds around himself. And his love, concern and esteem for his own interests stultify his ability to love anyone beyond. He can be changed only by My saving grace and prayer of others. Just so when some set out on the path of discipleship and make progress in the way they falter and stop in their tracks and begin to regard themselves in the same way as the one already spoken of. Although they had set out to follow Me, they then choose to enmesh themselves with the ties of worldly matters. Whatever value they carried through their person or gift or work is rendered valueless in the service of the kingdom And so they remain until they respond again to the call of loving commitment which constantly is made through all that they experience. Often Our loving approach is made through the disciples of the Kingdom to release those who have so incapacitated themselves from service in the Kingdom and from directly receiving the Father's loving presence. So must every loving disciple in the way so live, so love, regard his possessions and his independent way of life so generously and faithfully that he is ready to be used instantly as We purpose.