In this lesson, I Make Me Crazy, we reviewed the most basic, yet the most challenging choice every Christian must make in his/her spiritual journey--walking in the footsteps of Christ. Better said, becoming a "disciple". Hidden in plain view, numerous passages of scripture (most are the words of Christ) show us the choice that all believers must make on a minute-by-minute basis. Today, we looked at a few of those passages. One passage we did not look at was Matthew 16:24-27. As He often does, Jesus presents us with an interesting dichotomy--what we want to save, we must first lose.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. (Matthew 16:24-27)
Facing uncertain futures, we often stress and worry about the outcomes. Instead of trusting God, we worry that things might not turn out the way we hope. The burdens make us weary and are often more than we can bear. Even though we might be living with Christ as our Savior, we are not fully surrendered to letting Christ live in us. Although we might have peace with God, we don't have the peace of God. Perhaps we can rest in the fact that we are not doomed to eternal separation from God, but our soul is constantly troubled and weary from the concerns that face us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29...
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)
Jesus offers us rest. But it is only when we take His yoke upon us that we learn from Him and that we will find rest for our souls (mind, will, and emotions). We can have rest, and yet still have troubled souls. We find rest for our souls when we take the yoke of Christ and place it upon us. An ox learns the voice and commands of his master only when he wears the yoke. Receiving Christ is a gift. Walking with Christ is a choice.
Our concerns for the outcomes of our smallest and greatest issues in life can be worry-free when we trust in the fact that we are God's masterpiece. He created each of us. Jesus died for each of us. God's Spirit lives in each of us once we receive His gift of salvation. As we look at our uncertain futures, we can be free from worry, fear, and stress if we walk in God's will for our lives.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)
Next week we will hear from David Meinz, "America's Personal Health Improvement Expert". Mr. Meinz is a very entertaining, funny, and knowledgeable presenter on the topic of nutrition. The topic will be "Sound Advice On Healthy Eating". I first learned of Mr. Meinz while listening to one of his series aired on Focus on The Family. I know you will all enjoy Mr. Meinz.
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