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.“
Scripture Insights
Take up your cross. It’s more than a task of carrying something heavy. Carrying this load is less about lifting and more about putting things down. It requires us to allow the Holy Spirit to tenderize our hearts and empty us of anything unlike Christ. We are so naturally prone to self-centeredness that without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, we are blind to our inward condition. Our capacity for self-absorption is pretty remarkable.
But we were made for more. We are called to a daily practice of surrendering all to a Holy Spirit inspection. We are called to transformation from inner obsession to outward mission. To follow in the steps of Jesus, we need his word and presence as nourishment daily. Any day without relationship with God through spiritual practice leaves us vulnerable to losing ground with the self.
As we cooperate with the work of the Spirit, we grow in our capacity for self-denial. We are freed for joyful obedience.
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, I surrender to you anew today. Reveal any selfish way in me, and remove it. Fill me with your Spirit, and transform me into your self-emptying disciple. May my words and actions bring life to all who come my way.
— Julie
Cheney CotN District Superintendent, Anaheim
