The Hard Work of a Disciple
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
Where do you want to eat? That is the question between Kim and I each time we go out for dinner. A relationship of love (sacrificial grace) seeks to promote the well being of others. I willing give up what I think I want to make her happy. It is difficult at times. We are different. We do not have the same likes or dislike. It is costly at times. If I am in the mood for Chinese food, I am out of luck. Kim does not eat Chinese. Denying those wants will never be burden because our relationship is more important than individual choices.
Discipleship is a life long process of dying to self while allowing Jesus to come alive in us. It is difficult. Following Jesus Christ is costly. It’s not a burden. Your relationship with God is more precious than any individual decision. As you grow to value God’s presence, pleasing Him will become a priority. Look for ways you can follow God’s will this week that may seem inconvenient. The Lord will bless you in the scribal act of love.
Remember that the cost of your salvation was the cross. Jesus gave it all and all to Him we owe. Be willing to give up what you think you might want for the pleasure of pleasing your Savior.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Where do you want to eat? That is the question between Kim and I each time we go out for dinner. A relationship of love (sacrificial grace) seeks to promote the well being of others. I willing give up what I think I want to make her happy. It is difficult at times. We are different. We do not have the same likes or dislike. It is costly at times. If I am in the mood for Chinese food, I am out of luck. Kim does not eat Chinese. Denying those wants will never be burden because our relationship is more important than individual choices.
Discipleship is a life long process of dying to self while allowing Jesus to come alive in us. It is difficult. Following Jesus Christ is costly. It’s not a burden. Your relationship with God is more precious than any individual decision. As you grow to value God’s presence, pleasing Him will become a priority. Look for ways you can follow God’s will this week that may seem inconvenient. The Lord will bless you in the scribal act of love.
Remember that the cost of your salvation was the cross. Jesus gave it all and all to Him we owe. Be willing to give up what you think you might want for the pleasure of pleasing your Savior.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden