Letting Go Of Desmond Hume

Sometimes I deny that I actually like to watch chick flicks. Yes, I said it. I do like to, sometimes. Hey gimme a break, I said 'sometimes.' Why do I like it, sometimes? Well, it reminds me of sweet times I have with Debbie (You can grab your barf bag now). It also gives me some pointers and tips on how to say/do something nice to her. Ok enough about that. This wasn't the point to this blog.

It's actually easy to deny things from ourselves. Well, again, sometimes. Just like the other day, I deactivated my Facebook account, and that was pretty easy. Though I claim to not be addicted to it. We can deny ourselves other things like, food, when we are on a diet. Or even TV shows, especially when it consumes our time (Sorry Desmond Hume. I had to let you guys go there for a few. You too, Stanley.). And of course, countless other things.

Deny yourself. I'm gonna "cut to the chase" here. Being a Christ-follower actually involves denying yourself completely. Christ requires that from me as His follower. Not necessarily isolating yourself from the world, and because of that, you will grow spiritually. Denying yourself means a willingness to obey His commandments, serve one another, and suffer... Even die for His sake.

Jesus said, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Mark 8:34)."

That's what it costs. Being a Christian is not some cheap, single, down to a little prayer-type of decision. Being a disciple, a Christ-follower, costs you your own life. Jesus never said your life here on earth would be better or easier when you follow Him. Look what happened to Paul. He got beheaded. Peter. Crucified upside-down. Stephen, was stoned. These were among others.

Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Taking up your cross, means, to the point of death, if necessary. Nothing held back.

Jesus said, "Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38)." Those who reject these demands of discipleship prove themselves to be ashamed of Jesus Christ and the truth He taught, thus not redeemed from sin at all.

That's what's required of His followers. Nothing less. Jesus gave His life for you. For me. Nothing less. Paul says in his letter to the Church at Rome; For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Jesus offers forgiveness. He offers a life full of joy despite hardships. He offers eternal life. Follow him. He says, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it (Matthew 10:38)." Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Him. Find life in Christ.