Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, He
said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your
selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34 NLT
Then
He said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn
from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try
to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my
sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but
are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the
Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in
the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some
standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:23-27 NLT
The same
thing is recorded in these gospels--turn
from your selfish ways, take up your cross (daily). In modern language
of The Message translation Jesus says…“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?” He is in the driver’s seat. I like that. Self-sacrifice is the way of
Jesus—and He wants us to follow His example. We don’t have to die on the
cross…just pick up our cross and follow Him. So what does it mean to “pick up
our cross”? We have to be willing to
give up what we want…and turn from our selfish ways to Jesus’ way—die to
ourselves, our old self and old ways. "I
have been crucified with Christ; and 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 up for me." Galatians 2:20. Can you admit that life is not all about you—and
give up what you want and desire?
Training Tip – Be sure that you give your children the opportunity
to help someone in need during this holiday season. Don’t just have them give
their old broken toys—but give up something that means something to them. You
may want to give them an opportunity to make some money and then buy or make
something for someone else (using that money for the supplies). Let them help
you make cookies or other goodies for neighbors or needy families. Help your
children discover the joy of giving beyond themselves—to turn from their
selfish ways.
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your example to us—to give
of ourselves. Life isn’t about us…it is about You. Help us to share the joy of
this season, You, with family, friends, neighbors and even with strangers we
meet. There is a reason for each interaction that we encounter with others
around us. It is all about You. From heaven to the manger and from to the cross
back to heaven. You have brought us joy, peace and love.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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