Scripture of the day
Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
When Jesus was sentenced to death, the process was not a fast one but rather a long torturous one. He was first whipped and beaten and was made to carry, pull and drag the very thing that would kill him - the cross.
The verse today can be divided into three parts: give up your own way, take up our cross and to follow Jesus.
What does it mean to give up our own way? Some other versions say to deny yourself, but really what needs to be done is a self evaluation. We need to ask ourselves what things in our life prevent us from a relationship with God. It's ultimately sin.
But sin can take many forms: lust, greed, pride, murder or even not doing what we think we should be doing is a sin (James 4:17).
So we need to change our ways. We need to deny ourselves of sin, temptation and distractions of God. We need to live a life that is not worldly but different then everyone else. We all struggle with something but we all need to address our own struggles (not always everyone else's).
We need to repent (actually turn away) from our own sin no matter what the cost. It is only then we can move forward.
Secondly we need to take up our cross. Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross by dying for our sins. We need to carry out daily, put to rest any sinful thoughts that creep up. But as well, we need to live sacrificially. We need to help others at the expense of our own desires. It's very tough to do and I fail often at this.
Lastly we need to follow Jesus. We ultimately have to come to realize our life is not our own, but belongs to Jesus. He gives us everything we need. He will not forsake us. And as he gave His life for us, we must also give our life for Him (completely).
Living as a follower isn't an easy life but a life worth living. And filled with joy, blessings and peace even in the most difficult times.
