Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)
Full Surrender: It is what Jesus was demanding of His followers, a total commitment from them—even unto physical death. And this is what Jesus requires of us too. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:6-7). A genuine Christian walks habitually in the light (truth and holiness), not in darkness (falsehood and sin). And it’s through the cross, that reminder of what my sins has cost My Lord and Savior, that He tells me to consider this to be death to my sinful flesh, and through the help of His Spirit that now dwells in me, deny myself and follow Him. There are plenty of examples of people who have started out saying yes to Christ’s invitation, and never finished their commitment. The cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, the pride that comes from all of this world offers has been enough to lead men astray from the path of righteousness.
Dear Friend, The Christian has no rights in this world, what I mean is your commitment to Jesus must be all or nothing. You do have a right to tell others the truth about God, and His love for them in sending Christ to die for us. The cost is great because of persecution but the cause of someone receiving salvation through your testimony is even greater. With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty (prideful) looks (Psalm 18: 25-27).
May the Lord bless your walk!
