If You Want to Follow Him
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Jesus has called us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily if we want to follow Him. So, what does that look like for you and me in practice?
For born-again believers, a fight will occur between what the flesh—our old master—wants and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God has given us free will to choose—we are free moral agents. The Holy Spirit who lives in us is gentle, but He will speak more firmly if He wants us to do the right thing.
Our old man has been crucified with Christ. We are a new creation when we are born again. We will either succumb to the flesh or, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to the spirit man. We will grow stronger in either the flesh or the spirit, depending on which one we yield to. If we consistently yield to the flesh, we will become very carnal Christians. But if we consistently choose to yield to the spirit man, we will mature from spiritual infancy. We grow in maturity when we yield to the Spirit, deny ourselves, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus!
Matthew 16:25 (NKJV) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Those who have never called upon the name of Jesus to receive Christ will be lost for eternity, even if they have gained all the wealth, success, and earthly achievements! Their names will not be found in the Book of Life, even if they have had a religion, done good works, practised philosophy, or tried to be good people.
Jesus’ twelve disciples gave up their businesses and jobs to follow Him into full-time ministry. They could have chosen not to follow Him, staying in their fishing business or remaining as tax collectors, which would have been more profitable. After all, some gave the excuse of burying the dead; the rich young ruler could not give up his wealth; and others had other excuses.
Likewise, for Christians today, there is a lure and love for the world, yet Jesus wants us to lose our lives for Him and for the sake of the gospel. Most people prioritise success, wealth, and social standing. However, Jesus warns us that we can lose our soul while attempting to gain the whole world! We cannot love the world and God at the same time.
Reflection: How do “self-denial” or “pick up the cross” challenge your values, priorities, or perspective on life? What adjustments do you need to make to align more fully with Him?
Sermon Series: Pick up the cross to follow Jesus
