By Kobe DarDar

Scripture Text: 

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 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? 27 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.

Devotional:

The Bible. It seems to always go against the world’s way of thinking. 

This scripture needs to be broken down. 

The world says to “chase after money.” “Get the expensive brands.” “You need that luxury car.” “Do what makes you happy.” These things are far from the truth. The Word of God says to deny yourself. What does that mean? Don’t give into your flesh. Don’t make it all about you. There’s nothing wrong with having nice, good-quality things. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. The problem starts when the “self” controls your life. The world doesn’t revolve around you or me. God should be the focus of our lives. Living for ourselves isn’t worth sacrificing an eternity in Heaven with Christ. 

There’s more to this passage. We must pick up our Cross and follow Jesus. This is a commitment to follow Jesus. It’s not a one-time thing, it’s a lifestyle. We must “sacrifice” our flesh and live the life God has for us. This is an everyday thing. Being a Follower of Christ is not easy at all, but there is so much value in eternity for living a life for Christ. Don’t you want that? Treasures that last for eternity are way better than anything this world has to offer. Doesn’t God deserve our devotion?  So why do people still choose the world’s offer of temporary treasure and satisfaction? Because they only see what’s visible. A life of comfort feels good in the present. 

We will all pass on from this life one day. There is no avoiding it. What are you going to choose? Are you going to live a life that makes you feel good and comfortable, or will you choose to live a life of following Jesus? That’s the Truth. I love you and God loves you. 

Response/Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for this life. I pray You help me to deny myself every day. I pray You help me to pick up my cross and follow You every day. Help me to have more of You and less of me. Help me to want what You want. I love you Lord, and thank You for free will. I pray you help me to help others choose to follow you. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Your name, I pray, Amen.