When Jesus tells us to take up our cross in Luke 9:23-24, he immediately adds "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."
Our fallen human nature loves concepts like:
- Self-indulgence
- Self-esteem
- Believing we're worth it
- Doing things our way
- Self-denial
- Self-sacrifice
- Believing He's worth it
- Doing things His way
But then I remember the One who not only carried the cross but died on it for me.
But today I'm asking God to help me be a true disciple--a cross-carrier. Will you join me?
Do you know the impact we could have on our world if we took up our crosses and followed?
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I encourage you to read this 1-minute devotion:
Low Self-Esteem and Inflated Self-Esteem Have the Same Cure
(1) Matthew 16:24-27: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
This is so very true. Self asserts its will in such subtle ways at times. In ways that sound so right. I have to constantly remind myself to humble myself so that HE can raise me up.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Gail! Denying self is a so necessary to our walk as Christ-examples to the world, only as I remember it is a moment by moment decision to allow 'Christ in me' to be in control am I able to 'deny my self' and not be selfish and self centered... blessings!
ReplyDeleteA perfect message for Easter week! You know how to pack so much truth into your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank-you, Gail, for the kind encouragement.
DeleteOne example of a disciple of Jesus,we mirror the burdens he carried for us, for each other. As Christians we are to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
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