Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ (Mt. 16:24)
Are you all-in? Do you live with urgency, conviction, and purpose? Or, do you hesitate, dabble, hedge your bets, play it safe?
One of the most striking characteristics about Jesus is that He was totally and completely committed. If He wasn’t all-in, He wouldn’t have given His all for us.
Every important endeavor and enterprise takes being all-in. If we hold back, things don’t move forward. If we withhold, others won’t join. If we stay on the sidelines, the game doesn’t get played. If we’re not committed, we won’t get much done.
Some people think it’s “cool” to not be passionate or involved. They look for reasons why not to step up, rather than looking for reasons why they could make a difference.
Even though this reluctance to step-in and step-up may be a safer way to live, is the safest way any way to live? It’s possible to be really cool and never to have really lived. Come to think about it, perhaps withholding ourselves and staying on the sidelines may not be so cool after all.
When Jesus says, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me,” He’s saying that His disciples must be all-in for and with Him. Are we willing to stake our lives—both this life and the next one—on Him? If not, we aren’t all-in.
The only way Jesus could be our Savior was that He was all-in for us. If we’re going to honor what Jesus has done for us, I encourage us to be all-in for the one who gave His all for us.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you “all-in” with and for Jesus? If so, how did that happen? If not, why not?
- Are you more inclined to jump into things with all that you have, or to study (even over-study) opportunities, or to simply watch life go by? How might today’s scripture speak to or even influence how you usually respond to the situations and circumstances of your life?
- What does it mean for you to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus?
I always feel like you are speaking directly to me. Especially today. You gave me the confidence to launch my blog. Fran is a gift from God and so are you. If you have suggestions, do not hesitate. The Profile is up and I am working on my first to be posted tonight.
You are the best. I know the sideline and stadium well. Plans are to move onto the field.
Blessings
JoLynn