Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jesus presents here two different lifestyles and their respective results: on the one hand, you can achieve success at any cost, and with it even gain the recognition of everyone, but in the end still lose your life, your health, your family.
On the other hand, Jesus offers you the possibility of achieving all your goals by doing things His way, respecting his commandments, being merciful, just and loving with your neighbor.
Taking up His cross and following Him means abandoning your old way of living and replacing it with his teachings. In addition to prospering everything you undertake, He will give peace and rest to your soul and salvation for your life and your home.
Pray like this: Lord, today I give up trying to cling to my way of living. Instead I agree to live according to Your will so that my soul will be secure and whatever I gain in this world will bring permanent and complete blessing to me and to others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!
Have a blessed day!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
These daily devotionals are brought to you in partnership with Transform Our World, if you’re enjoying them and would like access to more transformational discipleship materials please click here to browse the website, you’ll find testimonies from leaders around the world that will equip you to see transformation in your sphere of influence!
