There are things that all of us must do daily. We must eat daily, except for those special times when we must fast for health reasons or medical testing. We must sleep daily. We don’t always get enough of that, but we need to do it daily. There are other activities we need to do daily.
But there is also one very important spiritual activity we must do daily which Jesus gave to us as recorded in Luke 9.23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (ESV) This is also found in Matthew 16.24. The difference in these two renderings is that Luke added Jesus’ use of the word “daily.”
This is not just a one-and-done activity. Professing initial belief in Jesus as savior and lord through which we are regenerated, birthed from above, receive salvation, are justified is a one-time event. We do not have to do that over and over again. But denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following him is a daily activity as a part of our discipleship and maturing in the faith leading to holiness.
Let’s summarize the three actions that are to be daily activities. First, we deny ourselves. This means that we renounce control over our own life and submit to God. Daily, we choose to prioritize God’s glory and his will, over our personal desires, ambitions, or sinful impulses. This involves humility, abandoning pride, and choosing to live according to the Spirit rather than our ego.
Secondly, we are to take up our cross. Paul describes this as being “crucified with Christ” so that Christ lives in the believer, emphasizing a decisive rejection of the sinful nature and worldly patterns. Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved met and gave himself for me.” It is a call to die to self, accepting the consequences of living faithfully in a world that may oppose God’s ways.
Thirdly we are to follow Jesus. This means more than physically walking behind Him. It is the call to imitate his life, obey his commands, and align our daily choices with his example. Discipleship is a continuous, daily commitment, requiring Christ followers to choose Christ’s way over their own, accept the shame or challenges of the world, and remain faithful in all circumstances.
In summary, the phrase “deny yourself daily, take up your cross, and follow Me” encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship, which includes self-sacrifice, faithful endurance, and wholehearted commitment to Christ. It challenges all of us to surrender personal desires, embrace suffering for righteousness, and live in obedience to God daily.
In Christ Alone
Pastor Gary
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