Following Jesus

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it (Matthew 16:24-25).

To take up our own cross and follow Jesus means we put Him ahead of everything else. It means we die to our own selfish desires and instead live for the Lord. It means laying aside worldly pursuits like wealth, success, and fame and seeking what really matters for eternity.

It can also mean ridicule and sometimes even persecution. Worldly people don't appreciate those who don't agree with them or don't want to be like them. After all, they ridiculed and persecuted Jesus, the only perfect man on earth, so why should we expect to be treated differently? We should also value our faith above our own lives as countless other martyred Christians have done throughout the ages. Things of faith are the only things that will have meaning beyond our lives here on earth.

But oh, the joy of such a life lived close to the Lord! It may not always be easy, but it will be glorious. When He matters most, other situations affect us less, and He promises that we'll never have to face anything alone. I pray it will be so for you and me.

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