Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross
08/08/2025
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”
– Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke these words, His disciples would have understood “take up your cross” in a way we often don’t. The cross was not a decorative piece of jewelry or a church steeple, it was an instrument of execution, a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. Jesus was essentially saying, “If you want to truly follow Me, you must die to your old self and embrace a life completely surrendered to My will.”
This is the opposite of the self-centered culture we live in today. The world says, “Put yourself first, protect your comfort, follow your dreams at all costs.” Jesus says, “Put Me first, even when it costs you everything.” Following Him means choosing His way over our own, even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular.
Think of a soldier who receives orders that change the entire trajectory of his life. His mission is no longer about what he wants to do; it’s about the cause he’s committed to. In the same way, when we choose to follow Jesus, our plans, ambitions, and even our personal rights come under His authority. That’s not a loss, it’s the pathway to true freedom and eternal life.
Action Steps to help you on your journey:
Start the day with a simple prayer: “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
Identify one area of life where you’ve been clinging to control and surrender it to Jesus today.
Look for an opportunity to serve someone sacrificially, expecting nothing in return.
Today’s Challenge:
Live this day as if Jesus is walking right beside you, because He is. Make every decision as though you were answering to Him face-to-face.
Lord Jesus, I confess that too often I choose comfort over commitment. Help me to deny myself and take up my cross daily, following wherever You lead. Give me courage to lay down my own agenda so that Your will can be done through me. May my life point others to You, no matter the cost. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”
– Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke these words, His disciples would have understood “take up your cross” in a way we often don’t. The cross was not a decorative piece of jewelry or a church steeple, it was an instrument of execution, a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. Jesus was essentially saying, “If you want to truly follow Me, you must die to your old self and embrace a life completely surrendered to My will.”
This is the opposite of the self-centered culture we live in today. The world says, “Put yourself first, protect your comfort, follow your dreams at all costs.” Jesus says, “Put Me first, even when it costs you everything.” Following Him means choosing His way over our own, even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular.
Think of a soldier who receives orders that change the entire trajectory of his life. His mission is no longer about what he wants to do; it’s about the cause he’s committed to. In the same way, when we choose to follow Jesus, our plans, ambitions, and even our personal rights come under His authority. That’s not a loss, it’s the pathway to true freedom and eternal life.
Action Steps to help you on your journey:
Start the day with a simple prayer: “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
Identify one area of life where you’ve been clinging to control and surrender it to Jesus today.
Look for an opportunity to serve someone sacrificially, expecting nothing in return.
Today’s Challenge:
Live this day as if Jesus is walking right beside you, because He is. Make every decision as though you were answering to Him face-to-face.
Lord Jesus, I confess that too often I choose comfort over commitment. Help me to deny myself and take up my cross daily, following wherever You lead. Give me courage to lay down my own agenda so that Your will can be done through me. May my life point others to You, no matter the cost. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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