My Way or the Highway

Mark 8:34

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Have you ever met someone who always has to have his or her way? There is really no room for relationship because the person doesn’t care about the needs of the other. When this person does not get their way they tell you to hit the highway or like Martin Lawrence used to tell his friends when they had gotten on his nerves or in his way, “Get to stepping!”

Jesus is the opposite…he invites us to a higher way but we must:

1. Deny yourself daily, in order to follow him. The reason we have to deny ourselves is because our thoughts are not his thoughts, neither are our ways his ways. (Isaiah 55:8) Just because something is permissible doesn’t mean that it is beneficial for our Spiritual growth. Sometimes, you have to say “no” to good things so that you can accomplish great things.
2. Take up your cross. The cross is our burden of responsibility that is a Joy to carry. It’s what we’ve been called to do. Everyday we must carry something for Jesus. Only what you do for Christ will last.
3. Follow Jesus. To follow Jesus means to emulate his lifestyle and to ultimately die for what you believe. We are all destined to die but only a few die with purpose living for Jesus.

Dear God,

Lead me to a higher way of living by denying anything that would drag me down. Help me to die to self that I might live for you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen