I saw this great picture today on one my friend’s twitter accounts. I think in a day of everyone following everyone (via twitter), it can be easy to lose what it means to follow. Jesus said the following words to his disciples;

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” -Matt 16:24

See how he concludes his statement? Follow me. But that comes at a cost; He says you must deny yourself. Which can be tricky in a culture that breeds self indulgence and our innate selfishness.

*We want to be better than anyone else no matter the cost.

*We look out for our interests above anyone elses.

*We ignore the needs around us, unless they benefit us.

Take up your cross. Thats a pretty extreme statement! You see deny yourself is saying “no” to your unhealthy desires, take up your cross is saying “yes” to Jesus no matter what. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame”, see Jesus said “yes” to the Father no matter the cost.

*Yes to changing the direction of your future, even though you had a perfect plan.

*Yes to giving financially even though you’re a college student and suppose to be “poor”.

*Yes to waiting to be intimate with your boyfriend/girlfriend until your married. (This includes spending the night with each other)

Saying “yes” honors the Father and shows the culture that we are different.

Our pastor made a statement this past Wednesday that I think hits home. He said that many times we finance our own kingdoms, before Gods’. The call of Christ is self denial/ self sacrifice for the benefit of His kingdom.  Are you a follower of Jesus? If so who’s Kingdom are you financing? (emotionally, physically, financially)

Jesus said to be a follower of him, you must do these things. Notice the first word of his statement, “if” not everyone has the courage to follow.

Reality Check.

I began to think about how many 18-23 years olds think that death is something to worry about in the future. Jarrod never anticipated that he would go to be with the Lord on a Tuesday afternoon in his twenty’s.

Couple of questions to ask yourself:

1. Do my actions prove that I live for something eternal or temporal?

2. What would your friends, parents, dorm mates, roommates, etc say you were passionate about if they spoke at your funeral? (I know its weird to think about)

Paul wrote “we look not to the things that are seen but to the things unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Cor 4:18

-BO