To find life, you have to give up your life for him
Being a disciple of Jesus is often about not doing what the world says we should do. We live in a culture of hyper-individualism and self-interest. “Do what is good for yourself first,” the world says. “Look out for number one.” But following Jesus means doing what he asks and not always what I want. It means relying on his strength and power, not my own. It means putting his mission and purpose above my own ambitions and goals. It means humbling myself and following Jesus, wherever he leads.
Discipleship is hard work. Even his disciples, who heard these teachings directly from Jesus, didn’t get it right all the time.
Discipleship requires that we listen closely for God to guide us. It means that we get to know his Word and what it means for our lives. It means that we seek the counsel of believers around us and discern his calling in our lives together. It also means that we stop putting ourselves first and instead love God with everything we have.
Father, help me deny myself and follow you in everything I do.
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Mathew 16:24-26
Evangelism and Local Outreach/Proclaiming the Gospel is a Non-Negotiable.
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