If our very existence is but a small fragment compared to this vast universe, then we can be a fool to compare our selfish achievements to a big God who made everything.
This fallen world can be very tempting. Imagine the infinite selfish ambitions we can accomplish if only we are good enough, smart enough and greedy enough to have it all. But meaningless, everything is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 12:8)! How are we to live if our arrogance results to downfall (Luke 9:25)?
Thereby, going back to what Jesus has to say about being His true follower, let us once again re-evaluate if we are sincerely zealous about our relationship with Jesus Christ.
To become a genuine follower of Jesus, we must (Luke 9:23):
1. Deny ones’ self.
“PRIDE is a spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense,” said C.S. Lewis.
In any other depravities we are yet to surrender, pride is the tumorous of it all because it hinders fellowship from God. Like a disease, it destroys possible relationship because it strikes venom that pierces every selfish thoughts and motives. A classic illustration of someone who will not deny himself is the story about a rich young man who wanted to follow Christ but was not willing to give up his wealth. Thus, prevented him from experiencing true salvation (Mark 10:17-27).
The Gospel clearly says to yield our life to Christ and He rules! It means to give up our very own desires, will and control and make God the center of it all. However, if you are not willing to do that, it simply shows that you still want to hold on to the control of your own life. Nonetheless, denying oneself is a requirement. It is non-negotiable. So, if you are having a hard time giving up everything to God, maybe it’s time to re-examine if your heart truly belongs to Him.
2. Carry one’s Cross Daily
Many receive grace, some become dedicated for a moment, but only few are willing to fully submit their self-centered needs to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
God is in the business of changing hearts. It might be impossible to stop smoking especially if you’re a chain smoker or perhaps stop a drug addiction overnight but nothing is impossible to the one who made all things possible (Mark 10:27). It is said,
“Genuine faith produces genuine fruit.” Now some people can be too over confident about this one but being a changed man doesn’t really mean being so-called “perfect.” Setting aside our old self is not just a one-time process. Many times the old profane nature will always try to assert itself and will try to hi-jack God’s good intention. But as true believers, we must always yield to Christ in order to put to death the old nature every day. For it is written in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.”
3. Follow Jesus
How far will you go to the person whom you truly love, will you climb the highest mountain or dive the deepest sea just to win his/her heart, or will you be willing to do just about anything to gain his/her approval?
Jesus said in Luke 9:23,
”If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” Still, the intriguing question is-- do we love Him enough to obey and follow Him? Genuine faith doesn’t just fall on trees. If we ever wonder why things aren’t settling in the right places maybe we should also ask ourselves if we are even on the right track. Have we been really worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)?
True faith produces sincere promise, love and a delightful heart. We must never be ashamed to show what God’s amazing grace has done in our lives (Luke 9:26). And if we truly love Jesus with all our hearts, mind and soul, following Him will never be a difficult task.
All rights reserved © Shiya Tamasao 2016
May 30, 2016
