Matthew 16:24(KJV)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
The first prerequisite that enhances our walk with God, rules on the foundation of self-denial. Anyone who wants to walk with the Lord must be willing to deny themself and follow Jesus with everything of theirs. Jesus said in (Luke 9:24)that whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
The word “deny” is from the Greek word “aparneomai” which means your ability to affirm that you’ve no acquaintance or connection with whatever keeps you in bondage which includes your interest. As Children of God, we must be kingdom minded. When we set our mind not on the things of God, but on the things of men, our mind grasps the opportunity to act and express itself. This was what happened to Peter, but he had to deny himself after being rebuked to prioritize God’s kingdom first( Mathew 16:23).
When God’s word encourages us to take up our cross and follow Him, it is telling us to remain under the feet of Jesus for the subjecting of our mortality for Christ to help us conform to the things of the spirit rather than of the flesh. For this reason, Christ died so that we may gain, and be made partakers of his inheritance, rather than subjecting our members to this world.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for granting me the gift of life and showing me your way. I pray for mercy to stay faithful. Be my guide and my shipped and help me to be a witness to the kingdom of God in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Download Quote and Share
