If Anyone Desires…(Part I)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

Jesus made a conditional statement. He was well aware that not everyone desires to follow Him.  Jesus set conditions only for those who desire to follow Him. If someone decides to follow Christ, then Jesus has terms of engagement. He stated that His followers must deny themselves and take up their cross. This is the process of Lordship where one is letting go of his/her own desires and dreams to follow Christ.

It is interesting that some Christians get upset with those who use this type of scripture to discuss Lordship and obedience. They consider them legalistic, harsh, and inflexible. Some don’t believe that believers need to be so intense and black and white about their faith. 

If we don’t deny ourselves and take up our cross, then we are not willing to live with the terms of agreement. We want the benefits of a relationship with Christ, but we don’t want to abide by the conditions set by Jesus. In worldly terms, such a contract would be void, because one of the parties is not willing to hold up their portion of the agreement.

If the goal of our faith is to look more like Jesus, how can we become more like Him if we hold on to our own desires and ideas?  Our faith and Christian walk is either based on what Jesus says, or it is based on our ideas. Anything carnal or man-made will not transform us into the image of Christ.  Is following Jesus developing the fruit of the Spirit in you? Is what you are doing making you look more like Christ? Are others noticing that you have changed? 

I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.