October 8
The Cost of
Following Christ
Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.”
Daily Steps
Having understood the mandate (Day 274) and the method (Day 282) of the Call to Mission, the new believer must confront the personal cost required to fulfill it. Jesus defines true discipleship in three uncompromising, continuous actions: deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.
The peace in this principle is found in resolute obedience:
The Priority of Self-Denial: Discipleship begins with deny themselves. This is the opposite of the world's pursuit of self-expression and the spiritual warning against indulging the flesh (Day 280). Self-denial is the humbling act of placing Christ's will (Day 250) and the needs of the mission above our own desires.
The Burden of the Cross: The second action is to take up their cross daily. In the ancient world, the cross was an instrument of execution. Jesus means that discipleship requires a continuous willingness to die to self-will and endure hardship (Day 265). It is a daily choice, demanding persistence (Day 257) and endurance (Day 224).
The Goal is Imitation: The ultimate goal is simple: and follow Me. We are called to imitate Christ's humility and complete obedience to the Father (The Ultimate Example, Day 282). This commitment to resolute obedience is the only way to experience the fullness of joy (Day 263) and peace (Day 222) that comes from living a life of true purpose.
Your peace is secured by resolute obedience. Embrace the Heart of the Missionary today by committing to deny yourself and take up your cross daily, knowing that this costly discipleship is the prerequisite for all spiritual greatness and effective mission.
Reflective Question
What is one specific desire or comfort are you currently struggling to deny yourself in order to follow Christ more fully? What does it mean for you to take up your cross daily in your current phase of life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that I often seek a comfortable version of discipleship. I thank You for the truth that following Jesus is worth any cost. I pray for the courage and will to deny myself and take up my cross daily and follow my Lord. Secure my peace today, as I choose resolute obedience and embrace the Heart of the Missionary. Amen.
