Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Until your identity changes to the point that your close associate will begin to say that you are no longer the same person they used to know; then that means you are not carrying your daily cross. If your formal associates are not distancing themselves from you unconsciously then you are not carrying your daily cross.
Our cross is the symbol of our relationship with Jesus; it is our identity as a believer; It is who we are and that is what makes us a unique personality. It symbolises our separation from the world and our allegiance to Christ. We cannot be tired of our identity as believers, which is why the cross is in our hands as a constant reminder of who we truly are in Christ and should be. Everyone has their cross which was given to us at the new birth when we surrender our life to Christ and we are meant to be carrying it along with us every day because once saved is not always saved. It is a daily activity and all-time work; it is our birthmark and not a burden. It is a mark of eternal life
Following Jesus requires that we deny ourselves daily of worldly pleasure because a friend of the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). You cannot carry your cross and still hold on to something else. You are required to drop the old things to be able to pick up your cross every day which is the new thing. You exchange the old thing for the new thing.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation);
Just like the Samaritan woman, when she encountered Jesus; she dropped her water pot, picked up her cross, and ran straight to the city to tell others the good news of the messiah. She started her ministry of reconciliation immediately without hesitation. Whatever that is taking the place of your cross has made itself your gods and that is a one-way ticket to hellfire, but that will not be your portion in the name of Jesus. Life challenges are everyday and that is how we grow in our walk with God. we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. That is keeping track of our shortcomings and making amendments.
Christianity is a call to live a life of sacrifice and you cannot follow Christ without denying yourself of worldly pleasure. Friends, it is time to answer this question; what would be your advantage if you gain the whole world and lose your soul in hell? It is time to drop all the philanderers, the lies, the stealing, the cheating, the prostitution, the killings, the hate, the unforgiveness, and so on; and then pick your cross to follow Jesus. The good news is that you can decide to be a friend of God today and separate yourself from the world by praying this salvation prayer below and be blessed, in Jesus' name.
Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I am a sinner, and I cannot help myself. Forgive me my sins, and cleanse me with your precious blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. Lord Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and saviour. Now I know I am Born Again. Amen.
NENE ISAH,
#womanyouarefree; Twitter: @woyouarefree; Email: neneisahoc@gmail.com
WOMAN YOU ARE FREE GOSPEL OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL
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