WORDS about the WORD

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Exactly what does it mean to deny yourself? Most times it means doing things you don’t want to do or don’t feel prepared to do. Spending my career as a coach, this a concept that is easy for me to grasp.

To be the athlete that competes at a high level, sacrifices have to be made. An elite athlete sacrifices time, comfort, and other desirestotrain.Sometimes it even costs friendships.

Jesus knew that the disciples were going to have to sacrifice deeply to followHim.Itmeantcarrying some things mentally and emotionally. It meant physical discomfort and sacrifice.

I have watched several of the track athletes this season and have been present for many practices and meets. The dedication it takes for these young people to perform at the highest level is inspiring to watch. Not only do they trainhardandpersistently, but they give God the glory.

Several are competing at the State level for high school athletes this week because of their discipline and their God given talent. To be a warrior for Christ requires discipline and effort also.

For those of us who can get out among people, we should. Our very presence in certain situations can bring comfort, prompt people to seek Christ, or challenge them to learn more. Getting among people will present opportunities to engage with them.

This last week I was at a school, out on the track, when a group of boys walked past me. I heard them as they scattered to their cars or the locker room say, “Ho, ho, ho. Hey Santa!” Even though I didn’t get an opportunity thatdaytospeakwiththem (I carry my Santa driver’s license with me) I have used my resemblance to Santa many times to start a conversation about true love – Jesus. Talk to people. Help people.

I also know there are manywhocannoteasilyget out. You still are required to “pick up your cross” by praying for others or by taking time to make a phone call or text. Prayer for others is essential and can never be thought of as ‘the only thing I can do anymore.’ Prayer also requires discipline each day to focus on God.

Hebrews 12:11 –

11 No disciplineseemspleasantat

the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

2 Timothy 1:7 – “

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline.”

Not only should we be disciplined enough to follow Christ, but we must also help others carry their burdens.

Galatians 6:2 – 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

To help others carry burdens may seem nearly impossible as some of you carry heavy burdens yourselves. However, when you lighten someone’s load it points them to Christ. Many times, it is just listening – nothing else required. People without Jesus in their lives do not understand the peace that believers have. Share it!

Psalm 55:22 Cast your caresontheLordandhewill sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Philippians 4:6-7 –

6 Do not be anxious about anything, butineverysituation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, a follower must be obedient. Going back to theathlete.Ifanathletewill not be devoted to training, they waste the talent and don’t advance their cause. As Christians, we must follow the commands of our Lord to grow in faith.

John 14:15 –

15 If you love me, keep my commands.

1 Peter 1:14 –

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Jesus desired to be in our lives. Keep trying to do good.Say‘thankyou’toGod. In our prayers we should havewaymoreThankYou’s than requests of Him! By being disciplined, carrying each other’s burdens, and practicing obedience we not only show Jesus to others we grow in our own relationship with Him.