In order to follow Jesus, he asks us to do something contrary to our nature. We must die. In a world full of endless pursuits of vanity and fortune, this is still contrary to our nature.
All kinds of things pull at our ability to deny. Our stomachs crave to be satisfied. Our bills cry to be paid. Our friends starve for our attention. Our minds race with what might lay in the future for me IF...
In my quiet time this morning, I'm reminded that denial is in short supply apparently. America is a wealthy nation. The churches in America, by any standard, are busting with riches. I just heard a survey on the radio of the average salary of pastors (of which I am one), and the average, seemed, normal for the average American. But according to what standard? The lessons of denial are long and hard indeed.
How does one learn denial in a life of plenty? Sacrifice. Even writing about denial is challenging because everything my eyes see shout back at me "not denying enough!" But yet, God is moving me towards denial of self. The cross calls all to a giving of their very lives--so that they may not be dead bumbs, but effective living sacrifices--after we give it to God, we become the living dead.
Sounds radical. Dead only to self. But alive ONLY to Christ.
"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" --Luke 9:23
3 comments:
Right on Big D. So much easier to keep things as are and continue the race to gather things! "What if" we all took up the call of Christ to leave it all behind and follow Him? My gut tells me He'd give it back 100 times over!
Keep it up man!
Jmac
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."-
Matthew 13:44 ESV
The Father paid the ultimate price, gave the ultimate sacrifice. He's asked the same in return. It amazes me that he would take a wretch like me and see me as treasure. If we learn to deny ourselves, put aside the chaff of the world. We will learn to make him our Treasure.
I like the post man, it needs to be said. It needs to be preached against a false hope called the prosperity gospel.
Soli Deo Gloria
great post! :) I am so so glad I found "yall's" blogs! :) Have an awesome day!!
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