EMBRACING THE LIFE OF A CHRIST FOLLOWER

Recently, we began an exciting new journey through Scripture with the students of Marshall Baptist Youth about what it means to be a follower of Christ… what it mean to be a DISCIPLE. 
 
We started by looking at the call of the first disciples to simply follow Jesus by faith on a lifelong, relational journey. Now, these teachings seem quite elementary for those who have attended church most of their lives; however, we read how Jesus spoke to His followers and gave them quite a challenge. Jesus told His Disciples (us) to “take up your cross daily and follow me” and unpacked the concept that discipleship isn’t an option—discipleship is for every believer, not just the “super religious.” As Christians, our lives should be marked by a total surrender to God’s plan for our lives, not just our own personal desires for which we aspire and exhaust much energy.

Dr. Luke pens the words of Jesus, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.  But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:23–27)

Matthew puts it this way, “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38–39)

We were and should all be challenged by the passages that remind us that we live in an upside-down Kingdom and that we must lose our lives to find them. Throughout November, as you process those things for which you are thankful, think also about what God has called you to—think also about what it means to be a true DISCIPLE by asking some tough questions:

• What does it looks like for me to take up my cross today?
• How do I feel about “denying myself” – putting off my own desires to follow God?
• Jesus asked what it profits for someone to gain the whole world but lose himself. What things of the world am I tempted to chase after? What past experiences or things have I chased that were not worth it in the end? Am I repeating myself by traveling that same road?
• What are some areas of my life where I have trouble giving God 100%? What am I withholding from Him? Family, Friends, Time, Talents, Goals, Money?

 Jesus said that we cannot be His disciples if we are not willing to renounce all that we have for His sake. How do you really feel about that? My prayer for you, me and this church is that we would all become the all-encompassing Disciple Jesus desires. He must take priority over relationships, comfort, our own likes, and everything that we have. It takes surrender. Jesus expects nothing less than all of us.
 
Many blessings and much love as you chase after and embrace Jesus.
From MBC Newsletter; Inspired by The Life; YM360, and Andy Blanks...