What are you chasing in life; money, pleasure, fame or power? We are supposed to be chasing or following after Jesus but I will be the first to admit that it is not an easy task. It is however, very rewarding because from him and through him and to him are all things.
Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Three things are required of people who want to chase Jesus.
First of all, you must deny yourself.
To deny means to restrain yourself from your gratifications and desires. There are many things which are pleasurable but yet sinful. For example, sex can be pleasurable outside marriage but it’s sinful and you must deny yourself when you are not married.
The second requirement is a progression from self-denial. You must take up your cross. The cross was a symbol of suffering. Self-denial entails suffering which can be mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual. For example, forgiveness can be a traumatic experience especially when you have to forgive and relate to someone you love who has wounded you deeply.
The last requirement is diligence. We have to deny ourselves every single day till we die. It’s easy to sacrifice something occasionally, but to do it daily, My, that’s difficult!
Following Jesus is not easy but it’s worth it so keep on doing it!
Kakra Baiden
