Devotional: Week 1, Day 2

Luke 9:23-27
That passage just rocks, might I add.

Okay, lets start digging. Is it just me, or does it appear that from the beginning, we have always strived to please ourselves.  It's only natural that we use our experiences, relationships, etc., to feed our own sense of worth and importance. . . which is why it only fits that Jesus undertakes the need to deny ourselves and sacrifice our own wants/desires to follow Him.
In this passage, it seems clear (to me, at least) that the theme is to die to self in order to follow Christ. To follow Christ means to give it up- our desires, wants- and living out a life of daily self-sacrifice; it means letting go of the reigns and letting Christ lead the way. Even if you are successful in worldly success, you did it at the cost of losing your soul.
When we deny ourselves, we aren't ashamed of Christ when we choose to follow Him. We will become engaged in His plans.

• As you reflect back on your decision to follow Christ, in what ways have you denied yourself and what sacrifices have you made to be faithful to Jesus over your own desires? List any specific examples that come to mind.
• In what ways have you failed to deny yourself in order to follow Jesus and join Him on His mission?
• Is there anyone or anything in your life that you are still clinging to that prevents you from following Christ wholeheartedly as He has challenged us?

Jesus, You are truly worth following. You are perfect in all Your ways. Thank you, Father, for helping us sacrifice personal ambitions, possessions, relationships and the things that would detract us from living for Jesus instead of ourselves. Help us examine our lives for whatever remains in our grasp that prevents us form living a life of selfless devotion to Jesus. Give me the grace to say "No"to myself and "Yes"to You. Amen.

(Note: I have been paraphrasing and using segments from Cuyahoga Valley Church's devotional booklet Missio Dei. I am in no ways trying to "steal" their work. Just share it.)