Discipleship is at the center of the Christian life. To be a disciple means to be a learner. It means following after Jesus, and patterning our life after His.
Jesus tells us that the starting point of following Him is to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves means we choose to put Jesus’ desires above our own. This means that we must come to recognize that we do not have all the answers, or know the right way to go through life.
Discipleship is not something we do once or twice. It is a lifestyle that must be lived out each and every day. We will spend our entire lives becoming more like Jesus.
Becoming more like Him
The way of life Jesus modeled was to suffer on the cross. When we deny ourselves, we choose to humbly follow Jesus. And as we become more like Jesus, we will also need to take up our cross. We will also suffer for doing good, and for denying things that seem enticing in the moment, but ultimately keep us from God. When we bear our suffering, we represent Christ to those around us.
The beautiful exchange
The paradox of following Jesus is that when we give up our life for His sake, we receive eternal life in return. But, when we hold onto our life and keep it from Him, we don’t get to experience the abundant life that He promises. Moreover, He promises freedom; ultimate freedom starts and ends with Him, our walk is not an empty existence filled with rules and burdens. On the contrary, you’ll discover a life worth living!
Our response
Take some time today to consider how you’re living a life of discipleship. Take inventory on the ways you are denying yourself and living for Christ, or living selfishly for your own pleasure and gain. Commit to following Jesus no matter how hard the path gets. Stay close to other believers who faithfully pursue a life of purpose. And pray for strength and endurance as you follow Him. Our time on earth is short, follow Him with no regrets! {Luke 9:23-24}
This post is part of the daily devotional found in the YouVersion Bible App.
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