Bible Passage: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:18-27
The first disciples were fishermen, tax collectors, and tradesmen. Like you and I, they were men with jobs, responsibilities, and reputations to uphold within their community.
However, eventually they began to realize that following Jesus wasn’t a weekend spiritual retreat. It meant walking away from careers, cultural expectations, and even their vision and plans for their lives.
That kind of surrender doesn’t feel very glamorous. It’s costly, risky, and even could be considered foolish by the world’s standards.
Even Peter initially struggled to understand Jesus’ endgame and the necessity of the Cross (Matthew 16:21-28). He couldn’t see that the Cross wasn’t a defeat, but would be The Way in which Jesus saved the world.
If we’re honest, many men spend our lives trying to build a career for ourselves, raise respectable children, and build our own dynasty.
But Jesus doesn’t call us just to “add Him in” to our plans for ourselves; He calls us to surrender the driver’s seat to Him altogether.
The Way of Christ begins by laying down your ambition, control, and maybe even your dream of having a son in the NHL.
And this only happens if we trust God’s way is better, and that He has something greater in store for us, even if it takes a Cross to get there.
This is The Way.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess my addiction to control. I want to build, lead, and conquer on my terms. Teach me the strength it takes to surrender. Help me die to my ego, my plans, and my pride, and follow where Jesus leads, no matter the cost. Amen.
Reflection: What’s one area of your life where you’re still calling the shots? A relationship? A business venture? A secret? Today, ask: “Lord, what cross are You calling me to carry today?” What challenging thing is He calling you to do? Then pick it up. That’s where the real journey begins!
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