Learning To Deny Yourself

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 ~Matt 16:24~ NLT

Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.~2 Tim 3:12~NLT

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly in the present age looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people zealous for good works. ~Titus 2:12-14~NLT

Following Christ is not an easy task. Christians are picked on, scrutinized, and most of all we are hated by those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ. Do not think that following Jesus will free you from any hardships in life. The Bible makes it clear that we will be hated for his very name sake.

In order to follow Christ, we must give up a great deal. Many believe that this very fact is what make christians fake. Yes, you will be called fake because many do not understand what it takes to follow christ. The bible clearly states that we must put a difference between what is holy and unholy, clean and unlcean ~Lev 10:10~NLT. This means that we do not follow the ways of man. Instead we develop a "what would Jesus Do or (WWJD)" attitude. Following Christ, requires that we walk more in the supernatural or spirit, than walking in the flesh or solely on how we "feel".

Following Christ requires that we view life's situations and circumstances from a more spiritual aspect. Always praying and seeking answers from God. We have to refrain from any ungodliness, remain sober, and fight temptation. We have to look past what we want, often exchanging our will for his will. Following Christ means putting total faith and trust in God, it is then that we will be able to follow him.

May God add a blessing to the reading of his word.