Jesus described discipleship as a full-time, lifelong commitment.
He said, If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Notice that word, daily.
Following Jesus is not limited to a Sunday service, a Bible study, or a spiritual decision that you made years ago. It’s a daily response to his leadership.
What does it mean for a disciple to deny himself? It doesn’t mean pretending you have no needs or no personality. It means that Jesus becomes Lord over your desires, your plans, your priorities, and your will. A disciple learns to say, Lord, not my will, but yours be done.
Jesus said we must take up our cross daily. The cross doesn’t represent inconvenience. It represents total surrender and death. It means the old life is no longer in charge.
When he says, follow me, Jesus calls us to surrender the following, pride, bitterness, selfish ambition, comfort, and control. The call is costly, but it’s also good. He doesn’t call you to lose what is best. He calls you to leave behind what cannot give life, so you can walk with the one who is life.
So this week ask, Lord Jesus, what do I need to surrender today? And then take one obedient step.
When obedience is hard, a discipleship partner can encourage you, pray with you, and help you be a faithful disciple.
Jesus still says, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
