What Are You Unwilling to Give Up?
Key thoughtWe put our old lives to death because we are preparing for life in Jesus’ kingdom. Following Him means letting go of what we value most.
“Listen for what Jesus asks His followers to give up — and what He promises them in return.”
23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their crosses daily. A cross meant suffering and death. He was not asking for decoration. He was asking for commitment — even when following Him costs us something we value.
We often struggle to put sin to death because something else seems more appealing. We enjoy habits that pull us away from Jesus. We want profit or convenience. We may be ashamed of Jesus. These temptations reveal the real question: What matters most to us?
Jesus reminds us that gaining the world is not worth losing ourselves. We release what competes with Him because we trust that His kingdom is better than anything this world can offer. Tomorrow, as we prepare for the Mortification sermon, let us ask: What am I unwilling to give up?
Identify one area where you are tempted to compromise your faith. Make one concrete choice today that demonstrates your commitment to following Jesus.
- Are you most tempted to give up fighting sin because you enjoy your current habits, want personal gain, or fear what others will think?
- How would your choices change if you considered them in light of the life Jesus promises in His kingdom?
Ask God to show you where comfort, money, or approval has become too important. Pray for courage to obey Jesus even when others do not understand. Thank God for the promise of His kingdom. Ask for perseverance to keep fighting sin when the struggle is difficult.
Amen