I Have Decided...

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.’”
Mark 8:34-38

“What confusing words,” you say. “Lose my life to find it. Really? Follow Christ by denying myself? Taking up my cross? Why, that doesn’t do much for my self-esteem or self-worth.” No, but it does follow Christ’s teaching regarding the principles of the kingdom of God. Of course, they are opposed to the “natural way” we do things. The course of this world in which we live has been carefully and meticulously laid by the mater of deception, and it is his “system” into which we are born. Now do you see why it is so important for us to be “born again”?

The emphasis, the focus of the two kingdoms - Satan’s and God’s - are opposed to one another. Where one emphasizes self, the other underscores service. Just look around you and observe how people act and react. It becomes quite obvious after very little observation that most are extremely self-centered: “I was here first.” “I’m next.” Just under the surface, you also see a reflection of inflated ego, pride, and a tremendous self-will. All of that must meet its death at the cross if God is to have full use of our lives for His purpose and glory.

Has Jesus’ challenging invitation enticed you to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him? There is no greater call.