Bible Reading: Matthew 16:24
In Matthew 16 24 Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” What does it mean to take up our cross and follow Jesus?
Taking up our cross and following Jesus means that we do the things that we are responsible for, the things God expects us to do, just as Jesus did. In other words, we are to follow Jesus’ example. Here are 10 of the things that Jesus did that we should imitate:
1. Trust the Holy Spirit.
2. Give Jesus control of your life.
3. Pray continually.
4. Read the Bible daily.
5. Worship with other Christians regularly.
6. Give cheerfully of all you have.
7. Support missions with prayer and gifts.
8. Put others before yourself.
9. Tell others about Jesus often.
10. Memorize Bible verses.
I hope you and I and all Christians will take up our crosses and follow Jesus’ example, living out God’s plan for our lives.
“Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Luke 9:23
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to faithful take up my cross and follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.