"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV).
Denying oneself is probably one of the hardest things to do. I believe that in our society it is very common to be "me" oriented. I read in one of my magazines that in order to feel better about yourself you should think "I'm glad I'm not a ________" compared to "I wish I were a____________" I guess researchers found that people who completed the first self-talk exercise emerged feeling happier. Interesting isn't it? If you compare yourself to others you will surely fall short. You need to focus on the fact that God made you, and He has a wonderful plan for you to fulfill. You are to give Him your all, flaws and everything, to be used by Him for a special task. None of us are perfect, but what skills we have can be used to help others beyond what we can even imagine. To deny yourself means to not be selfish, but to put others’ needs first. It is to give your heart and your all for His cause. Remember it is your heart that the Lord examines. How is yours measuring up? Have you given it to the Lord completely? Is it filled with His love so that others can see it through your actions? Are you taking up your cross daily for Him? That sounds very selfless doesn't it? But you see that is what it is suppose to be like. May you lose yourself in Christ's love this week and carry your cross with strength knowing He is helping you bear it. Go out this week and touch a life with His love. Do a random act of kindness.
Dear Lord,
Help me as I take up my cross daily to serve you. I want to serve others with your love and not for selfish ambition. Help me to reach out to someone this week to show your love in a very special way.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
