I used to play a game with my kids. I’d hide something, and they’d try to find it. If they were no where near it, I’d tell them how “cool,” “cold” or “freezing” they were. As they moved toward it, I’d let them know that they were getting “warmer,” “hotter” and “burning up!” If they paid attention to what I was saying, they’d know if they were moving in the right direction or not.
Jesus does the same thing for us. He wants us to find true, abundant, vibrant life. So He lets us know — in no uncertain terms — where to find it.
Jesus instructions are not confusing; they’re just really challenging.
Tweet
Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my disciple, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
- Deny Yourself.
- Take Up Your Cross . . . Daily.
- Follow Me.
Like I said: not confusing, just challenging.
We tend to go in the opposite (“colder”) direction. We pursue our comfort and our desires. We satisfy ourselves and try to avoid crosses, pain and struggle. That comes naturally but takes us down the wrong path. Only when we deny ourselves (“warmer”), embrace sacrifice and humility (“hotter”) and take intentional steps in Jesus’ direction (“burning up!”) will we find the life that He offers and the life that we are longing for!
Dr. Paul McGuinness 