If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
This is about the contrast between a believer and a disciple of Jesus. The difference relates to the seriousness of your commitment to God.
The believer has made a decision to believe in Jesus and is assured of the gift of salvation. The disciple has given up everything to follow Jesus. His only goal is to know Jesus and fulfill His purposes.
The believer is going through the motions while the disciple is a living sacrifice to Jesus.
The disciple has no competition in His life. He lives for Jesus not for human relationships, the luxuries of the world or to satisfy self. He can drop everything in a moment’s notice to obey Jesus.
The disciple belongs to Jesus. He no longer has a life of His own.
The disciple has no intentions except to know Jesus.
The disciple is not concerned with doing things for Jesus. He wants to be a perfect delight in the eyes of the Lord.
The disciple understands he was made by God and created for His purposes.
How can you cross over the line to become a disciple? There has to be an encounter with the Living Christ. You have to accept in the depth of your heart Jesus has power and dominion over the heavens and earth. This has to be experiential and not intellectual.
You have to see the greatness of God and your insignificance in the scheme of life. The reality of the Living Christ will shatter your every belief about religion. Your only desire will be to know Jesus and walk in oneness with Him.
This decision is too costly for many believers. Very few are willing to give up everything in order to gain the fullness of Jesus.
Jesus is bigger than you can ever imagine. You will find the Living Christ when you participate in His death and the power of His resurrection.
Hal Hollister Ministry 