DAILY DYING
Carey Madding
Today’s Scripture: “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 9:22-23, ESV)
Theme: Being a disciple-maker requires you to be willing to count the cost.
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME
Long ago, I started work in a home care company as the newest secretary. The title was not administrative assistant or scheduling manager. I was just the latest “new hire” recruited from the local seminary, where wives of poor, student pastors were desperate for work. I later became the General Manager of that company, then helped the owner launch another successful company. I’m no slacker! I know I am smart and capable. However, I almost failed the personality test!
In those first few months, I was called into the owner’s office because she was concerned for me. The test revealed I had “very low self-esteem.” If you know me, you can imagine I almost laughed out loud. “Anything you can do I can do better” should be my theme song! I am well aware that pride and self-sufficiency are my besetting sins. However, in addition to the test results, I had been willing to make coffee, scrub the office bathroom, and any number of extra duties. Add to that, I sometimes replied, “Well, I’ll talk to Mike about that and let you know tomorrow.” So, my boss really thought I had such a low self-image that I might need counseling.
DAILY DENYING
As believers, we are asked to deny ourselves and take up His cross; we are asked to be the servant of all, not the demigod, not the honored one. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV).
I wish it was as easy as a one-time decision to be “crucified with Christ.” But frankly, every time I look at my budget, plan my day off, or get a nasty email, I must choose to consider God’s desires ahead of mine. I may not have to give up that purchase...but I might. I will certainly have to trash that quick, witty, angry retort. Every day, multiple times a day, it’s a choice to deny my instincts and desires and ask God what He desires. As I mature in grace, I am excited and thankful when my initial instincts are confirmed to be His, also!
THE RAREST KIND OF LOVE
Why does it matter that we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus? To deny oneself is so contrary to human flesh and to worldly advice that it confounds the unbeliever. To serve others instead of expecting (demanding?) that we be served is very rare. Yet, because it is so different and rare, God uses it to reveal Jesus. People are drawn to loving, gentle, serving people. And because Jesus is our Servant Leader and Lord, we can direct them to Him through our love. He is the One who gave it all. He is the One who teaches us to love others as we love ourselves.
Make it Personal: Reflect back on your spiritual journey. Was there a point in time you laid down your desires and gave Jesus permission to rule? Now think back on today: Did you live for yourself or were there instances when you heard and obeyed the nudging of God?
Pray: Father God, You have sacrificed so much for me. You gave Your only Son. Jesus, Your sacrifice and servant’s heart has no match. I cannot understand your love and willingness to lay everything You had in heaven down for me. Help me to daily lay down the little victories and wants to gain the greater victory of knowing You more. Help me to love like You love and serve like You served. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: John 15:12-14; Mark 12:28-31; Romans 12:1
Weekly Memory Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)