And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:38-39)
As God’s chosen child, it might be tempting to think that your new life in Christ should be one of comfort and ease. I mean, after all, aren’t you a new prince or princess in God’s family? Yes, you are. But, your precious Savior didn’t die on the cross so that you could live a life of selfish indulgence. He redeemed you from your old sinful flesh so that you could live in love and obedience to God.
Remember from the last post, that God is using every circumstance in your life to form the beauty of His Son within you. (Romans 8:28-29) That process is one of dying to your old fleshly desires and living for Christ. It is saying “No” to your flesh and “Yes” to God’s Spirit. It is also giving of yourself in order that others might be reconciled to God. It’s loving like Jesus has loved and forgiven you. This is all made possible because of the power of the cross.
Study it Out
Read the following passages slowly and meditate on the truths found within. You may want to commit one or more passages to memory.
1 Peter 1:13-21; Matthew 16:24-27
Be sure to respond to God as He reveals or reminds you of truth about Himself. Every time you read God’s Word, God’s Spirit is inviting you to enter into a conversation with Him. Breathe in His truth with a humble, teachable heart, and breathe out your response of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and repentance as is fitting.
Corresponding Image
Each truth given corresponds with one of the images in the original Identity of Christ design. These are available as downloadable coloring sheets or downloadable, customized prints that can be hung as decor in your home or office.
The dark image of the cross set on a hill should remind you of the incalculable price that Christ paid for your salvation, but it is also a reminder that Jesus calls you to take up your cross daily and follow Him. You are to die to your own selfish desires and follow your precious Master in humble love and obedience.