January 28, 2016

Easier Said Than Done

It is easier said than done is an old phrase. During the Temptation in the Wilderness, Jesus outlines three broad categories of sin. What is more, he gives us three counters or antidotes. The lust of the flesh can is only countered by denying oneself with the help of the Holy Spirit. Taking up One’s cross is an act of denying oneself.

Furthermore, facing death has a way of quelling a person’s ambition. The lust for power when one is facing execution is not a factor. That is why Jesus compels us to take up One’s cross, to march with Him, even if the possibility means facing death. The greatest obstacle on this path is our own pride and our unwillingness to deny ourselves for Him.

Everyone wants to be the captain of their own lives, to decide where they go and what they will do. For this reason, Jesus implores us to be like little children. Following Him with a childlike attitude takes humility, but this is easier said than done. We must admit we do not have all the answers, and we are not equipped to govern our lives. We cannot trust ourselves.

Thankfully, we can trust in Him. We place our undying trust in the One worthy of following. Jesus, our King.

O, my Saviour, I love Thee; how great is thy goodness to me! –Barton W. Stone

Luke 9:23

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. (NLT)

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