It’s Christmas time, and we often think of Jesus Christ birth and peace swirled together like the red and white stripes on the candy cane, but did His birth truly bring peace? And what does it mean when Christ warns us of trials and persecutions, or tells us we must pick up our cross and follow Him?
So come on in, get comfortable and let’s dissect this together in the Living Room. Come listen to The Peace in the Discomfort of Following Jesus.
In the Living Room:
In today’s podcast we discuss the meaning of Luke 9:23-24 and how taking up our cross is not the same as the thorn in Paul’s side. Instead, the cross symbolizes our willingness to die unto ourselves…to self-deny and follow.
“And he said to all, “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.” Luke 9:23-24 ESV
But how can we die to ourselves when we are dealing with an impossible situation of a difficult spouse, addiction, abuse?
I believe here are some things we can examine in our lives that will help us in the New Year become less self-reliant and more self denying.
Steps We Can Take to Die to Self:
First, examine your faith. Do you truly believe in the fundamentals of faith found in God’s Word the Bible? If not, begin spending time reading the Bible and asking God to strengthen your faith. Do you believe in His love, goodness, and power?
Secondly, confess your struggles. What do you find difficult to let go of? On the podcast, we discussed the importance of forgiveness. Admit these things to God and ask for His help in overcoming them.
Thirdly, spend time getting to know Jesus. How can you follow Someone you don’t have a relationship with? Abide in Him. Attach yourself to Jesus Christ and remain attached at all times.
We mustn’t live a lift where we are attached to Jesus during that morning devotional and in the pew, and then detach the remainder of the week. This creates a shallow relationship with the Father. Be ever aware of His presence all day everyday.
Fourthly, ask the Father to help you love Him more. As you get to know God you will naturally begin to love Him more, but He commands us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Many times, we can begin to doubt we have that kind of love for the Father and question if we are obeying this command. Ask Him to help you develop this sincere love for Him.
Lastly, allow the Holy Spirit access in guiding you towards the practice of self-denial and obedience. When you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you over overindulging on that Christmas pie, come into agreement with Him and put the fork down. As you practice this obedience in the little areas, you will not struggle as much in the larger things.
While we’re all enjoying the coziness of the season let’s take time to thank God for His willingness to deny Himself and His own comfort, from a cold stone manger to a splintery cross.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Tammy 🎄
Please note: Due to timing issues, this blog post appears unedited by our in-house editor Barby Molnar.
Photo credit: Istock/ lenta/862629152
