Three things a person must do for to be a Jesus follower ( to better to say; to a true disciple of Christ) : ( Matt 16: 24)
1- Deny Himself / Herself
2- Take up the Cross
3- Follow Jesus
We are not called, love the world but love the Lord. I know that, part of me do not want me to deny myself. Me , wants to follow me-desire , denying myself is not in my dictionary at all.
What does really mean deny myself ? John Piper says: ” There is zero profit in owning the entire world, since that cannot save your soul. The soul can’t be bought by all the wealth in the world.” Denying myself means accepting to put off the honor , wealth , and anything that is not from heaven assurance. It means I have not need to be anxious of tomorrow , if I have already denied myself means I got what it meant to trust Jesus depart of outcome. The perfect season is a season I trust Him more, even the wave of problems and trials comes I’ll be right to face it ! I ain’t to move , because this is not me any more but Jesus with me. Oh How great is this. Oh sweet is to know God is Faithful in all. When I forgive myself , a new window will open. If the world wants me , but that time I am ready to pay the cost , that time I am ready to deny myself and my desires. I got it. This is the key of restoration. Free myself of this world. Forgive me and others. No stronghold will keep me any more. I look up daily and say Thank you Jesus , I am yours as Brother Lawrence said : “I did not pray for any relief, but I prayed for strength to suffer with courage, humility, and love.”
The Threes above are not a recommendation from Christ to us , but , rather a commend to all His true disciples.
John Piper continues in His article called ‘ Deny yourself for more delight ‘ : ” Therefore, when Jesus said that the way to follow him was to take up our cross, he meant at least this: Be willing (without murmuring, or God-criticism, or cowardice) to be opposed, to be shamed, to suffer, and to die — all for your allegiance to him. Or, to go to the heart of the matter, to “take up your cross” meant to treasure Jesus more than we treasure human approval, honor, comfort, and life. Our suffering is not a tribute to Jesus unless we endure it because we cherish Jesus. Taking up our cross means Jesus has become more precious to us than approval, honor, comfort, and life.”
Billy Graham well said ” “Christ demands first place in everything. And you have to come to Christ realising you’ll have to pay a price.” Following Jesus comes with a cost , If others tells you otherwise , they are not honest with you. Yes , Following Jesus is the best decision of our life. You have a forever-friend . you can call him your brother , your husband , your groom , your best friend , your lover.
Oh Lord, you sustain my whole being , Let me feel and know that you are in control of my life. Forgive me if I don’t deny myself to take my cross and follow YOU. I am weary , I confess it! Let remind myself and put you first in all my action. I recharge my soul , mind and heart with your peaceful presence. Than , I can understand your DIVINE GRACE and walk in your light. Say Amen.
Your friend
Dariush Youkhaneh
You are awesome 