Choose Wisely 3

Choose Wisely 3!

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. MATTHEW 16:24 AMP

This is the long version of today's extract, giving the complete package of what following Christ actually entails. It is a very familiar passage, but we see here the full details of what every facet of that decision to follow Christ really means. First, it is not about what you claim, but what God holds as the Truth. Jesus was speaking to people who were actually following Him as disciples, yet He was stating terms of discipleship.

Remember, Judas Iscariot was there, listening to this message. It is never about what you think is right and acceptable; it is about what God lays down as the terms of engagement. Secondly, such a person who decides to truly follow has a major alignment to make, which is denying everything the natural man would crave. That is the secret to a life of impact. The natural man cannot understand the things of God, and the desires of the natural man must give way to what God wants.

Until the natural man gives way, it will be difficult to take up the cross and follow after Christ. Both paths are parallel lines that can NEVER meet. That cross is never palatable; it will cost you some measure of comfort; it will cost you a few friends, and it will definitely make demands on your time, resources and life. It is not a decision you take lightly, as it is even worse to start well and then drop off later on, like Demas. Taking up the cross means identifying with Christ and allowing Him live and work in and through you.

Oh, it may not go the way you plan it, but it will end up the way God plans it: to His own glory. It may not sound palatable, but we must be aware that following God means signing over our lives to Him. It wasn't ours in the first place, so it is only proper that I live, serve and work daily for God with that understanding. Where do I stand at the moment? Can God count on me as a faithful disciple, or am I still struggling for identity? His time of favour is here.