GOD CALLS US TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS, FORSAKE ALL, AND FOLLOW HIM! By Major Frank Materu
________________________________________
Key Scripture:
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" (Matthew 16:24, NIV)
________________________________________
Introduction:
The call to discipleship is one of surrender, obedience, and unwavering trust in God. As followers of Christ, we are summoned to forsake the distractions and fleeting pleasures of this world, to take up our cross, and to follow Him wholeheartedly. This journey is not for the faint-hearted; it demands a total commitment to God’s will and a rejection of self-centered desires. Yet, it is a journey filled with divine blessings, eternal hope, and the assurance of God’s presence. This article seeks to illuminate the significance of this call and the consequences of neglecting it.
________________________________________
Forsaking the World to Follow Christ
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." (1 John 2:15, NIV)
God’s call requires us to let go of worldly attachments. These attachments often hinder our spiritual growth and draw us away from His purpose. As believers, we are not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation enables us to discern God’s perfect will and walk in His light.
________________________________________
Obedience is the Foundation of True Worship
"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15, NIV)
True worship is rooted in obedience to God’s commands. Many who profess faith fail to live in accordance with His word, pursuing their own desires instead. Such disobedience grieves the heart of God and leads to spiritual barrenness. Genuine worship is demonstrated through a life surrendered to Him, marked by humility and reverence.
________________________________________
The Danger of Double-Mindedness
"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8, KJV)
Walking with God requires singleness of heart and mind. Double-mindedness, where one attempts to serve both God and the world, results in instability and spiritual decline. God desires a steadfast commitment from His people, one that is undivided and focused solely on Him.
________________________________________
Judgment Awaits the Rebellious
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, NIV)
Those who choose rebellion over obedience invite God’s judgment upon themselves. The pride and defiance of the wicked will ultimately lead to destruction. God’s desire is that all would repent and turn back to Him, but He will not tolerate continued rebellion.
________________________________________
The Ark of Safety for the Faithful
"The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10, NIV)
God provides an ark of safety for those who obey Him. Just as Noah found refuge in the ark during the flood, believers who remain steadfast in their faith will experience God’s protection amidst the storms of life. This requires a deliberate abandonment of the old life and a wholehearted embrace of His will.
________________________________________
Summary:
God’s call to take up our cross and follow Him is a call to forsake worldly pleasures, walk in obedience, and remain steadfast in faith. This path is marked by challenges, but it also leads to divine blessings and eternal rewards. The consequences of ignoring this call are dire, but the promise of His presence and guidance gives us strength to persevere.
________________________________________
Conclusion:
The journey of discipleship is a sacred calling that demands total surrender. God’s heart is grieved by rebellion and double-mindedness, but He delights in those who humble themselves and walk in His ways. Let us embrace this call with unwavering faith, trusting in His provision and guidance.
________________________________________
Call to Action:
Reflect on your own walk with God. Are you fully surrendered to His will, or are you holding on to worldly attachments? Take time to seek His guidance, commit to obedience, and trust Him to lead you on the path of righteousness.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
God’s plans for you are good and filled with hope. As you take up your cross and follow Him, know that His grace is sufficient, His love is unending, and His presence is your greatest reward.