23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9
This was the biggest thing that stood out to me during this study. What is the definition of a disciple, and could I really be that? Everything seemed out of reach when I started this journey so long ago. A disciple had to go to school, or had to be able to speak any bible verse by memory at any time, or had to always be comfortable talking about Jesus with anyone they meet, or had to be a leader in the church, or any number of things that are not required.
Jesus makes it easier to understand. Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him.
Follow him with your body, deny yourself. It's denying yourself of those sins that you've fallen victim to. You'll fall again, but you have to repent and turn away again. It isn't easy, it's never complete, but it is a constant action.
Follow him with your mind, take up your cross daily. This is to make the point in your head that you'll be obedient to his will. He'll speak to you, and he speaks to everyone through different means, and it'll be up to you to hear and to take up that cross. This isn't an occasional event, but again is a constant action - daily.
Follow him with your heart, follow him. It does not good to only listen, but you must act. You must try to make every action you take be one that is pleasing to God and reflective of how Jesus would handle that situation. I've never been a fan of the WWJD fad, but it applies. If Jesus sees someone hurting, wouldn't he stop to comfort them? If he saw someone sick, wouldn't he care for them? If he saw someone was thirsty, would he not give them something to drink?
If we see someone is alone, do we comfort them or judge them? If someone shares their struggle with sin, do we provide support or do we scoff at their weakness?
Follow Jesus, with your whole body, mind, and heart. To do so, makes you a disciple.
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