The Cost of Following: Self or Christ?Sample

Bearing the Cross: Part Two

Jesus calls us to die to ourselves so that He might live in us. But as a dear friend of mine often says, “The flesh does not want to die. It rages within, it kicks, it screams.” We want to follow the Lord. But our flesh revolts. It whines. It complains. It kicks. It screams. It wants comfort. It wants ease. It wants its own way. It wants to be satisfied. And it doesn’t want to work hard. And so often we listen. It’s so hard not to listen.

But thanks be to God! He has not left us alone in this fight. We have His Holy Spirit who enables us to say no to the flesh and put it to death.

In what ways are you still tempted to live according to the flesh? In what areas have you perhaps put the cross down, feeling like it’s just too heavy to bear? Confess these to God. He longs for us to be sorrowful and broken over sin so that we may find true rest and peace in Him, our Great Comforter. He will provide the solace and the strength that we need to move forward in Him.

Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. And by His power put to death the misdeeds of the flesh.

PRAYER

Lord, please help me put my trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to believe that I am not alone and to understand that I do not have to overcome my sin in my own strength. When I don’t “feel” like I can put to death the misdeeds of the flesh please help me to stop and remember that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives and works in me.

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen