Right now I'm reading Elisabeth Elliot's book called Discipline: the Glad Surrender. Its really making me think about what God really calls us to when He calls us to Himself, to come and die and live a new life.
She says, "the conditions are not such as attract multitudes. Jesus stated them :
1. He must leave self behind
2. he must take up his cross
3. and come with me
The result of the decision is guaranteed:
1.Whoever cares for his own safety is lost
2.but if a man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self
Elisabeth says that to be a Christian MEANS we are disciples...means that we leave ourselves behind.
So often I hear myself saying, like those she mentions, "Yes, I'll be a disciple, but no, I certainly don't want to leave self behind."
This is the essence of being a Christian. And its very hard...I know God is teaching me about how selfish and self reliant I am right now. Following Christ is not as simple and easy as praying a prayer, reading the Bible, and going on your merry way..it is about denying self and living for Christ! Before I was a Christian, I lived totally for myself, so the same sin creeps into my life as Christian- selfishness. I know God is changing me day by day, and I have to trust Him that He can and will. And that the Gospel isnt about me, not about doing enough good things...but this challenges me
Do I really believe that Christ is worth it? Do I believe He deserves my all? Is He my treasure alone?
Gal 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Praying that will be true for me every day.
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