Luke 9:23 Jesus then said to the crowd, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Many people yearn for Christ's blessings but are unwilling to bear the cost of following the Lord. The living water of life that the Lord gives is indeed freely given, but this grace flows into our lives through the cross. If one only seeks comfort, peace, and provision but is unwilling to deny oneself, obey, and bear the cross, one easily turns faith into a religion that only seeks personal gain. The true path of discipleship is to respond to the Lord's call in grace, to follow willingly, and to walk in the Lord's path, whether in good times or bad.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for granting salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ, freely giving us the living water of life. I ask that you enlighten my heart, so that I may not merely crave your blessings while avoiding the path of the cross. Grant me a humble and obedient heart, so that in my daily life, work, and service I may willingly deny myself and follow you. In good times and in bad, remember the price you paid for me, so that my life may become more like Christ's. May my life not be lived for myself, but for the glory of your name. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.