Mark 8:34
“Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Our lives are as living billboards—signs and testimonies of the presence of Christ and a beautiful display of His lordship. But for this to happen, there must be a starting point.
In his classic book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states that by grace, we are saved, and when grace is acted upon, we’re brought into the family of God. But Bonhoeffer warns that though God’s grace may be free to us, it cost Him everything. God Almighty saw your life and mine as lost, yet precious enough to rescue us from death, condemnation, and hell.
There is no such thing as cheap grace.
When you and I realize the expense of our forgiveness, the magnitude of such display leaves us overwhelmed. We are brought to a place of bowing the knee and heart in humble devotion—and to follow Him becomes a joy and delight.
Following Christ means freely submitting all things to His will. That is what it means to pick up your cross. What is He asking you to surrender today? Is it your heart’s desire, ongoing frustrations, relationships, career path? Make no mistake, He knows them all. Whatever it is, pray, “I know what I want to do. I know what I think I should do. But Lord, what is it that You would have me to do? How can I bring You glory and honor in this situation?”
At the cross, God proved His great love for you. Now return that love, pick up your cross, and follow Him.
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack
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