“And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”Luke 9:23 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.9.23.AMP
REFLECTION
In light of the verse today, what does the phrase set aside selfish interests mean to you? As one who is well acquainted with selfishness, I know that setting it aside is no easy task, but it is possible if we shift our focus from self to our sovereign saviour, Jesus …the author and perfector of our faith. And while it’s important to examine ourselves, the purpose of the examination is to check if we are in the faith (see 2 Corinthians 13:5). So let’s get and keep our priorities straight, and prioritise spiritual intimacy with our marvellous, merciful Maker. And trust Him to transform us, from the inside out, as we actively and intentionally align our thoughts with His Word. Following the forever faithful One is the only way to experience true love (the antithesis of selfishness), for He is love.
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord Jesus, You are indeed the way, the truth and the life, and the only One who can cancel sin, selfishness and strife. I ask You to empower me to persistently pray and ponder Your perfect Word every day.
