Commitment to Christ

:: 6 ::  Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Following after Jesus is costly, and the grace we freely recieve, was obtained at a price. This paradox stands at the heart of the Christian faith. You must deny yourself and follow Jesus

What keeps you from following Christ? Do you have an attachment to money? Is your identity so intertwined with a social group or class of people that you fear following Christ might transform your understanding of yourself? Are you sometimes self-righteous, or vain, or prideful, and worried that following Christ might bring your flaws into the light

Following Christ can lead to a life of generosity and self awareness. Following Christ means freedom from self-righteousness and for selflessness, freedom from vanity and for a deep realization of your beauty as a child of God. Following Christ means freedom from pride and for deep humility

My friends, can you think of a better life than that? And all you have to do is be willing to take up Jesus each and every day. And by living a sacrificiall life you will discover you are living an abundant, generous life? Will you take up your cross today?

Almighty God, you call me to a costly way. May I look to Jesus as my example, leaving behind every hindrance, and willingly sacrifice anything that would keep me from following your call. Amen.