Matthew 10:38-40
These are some strong words from Jesus. What you think about these verses determines your ultimate destiny. These were not casual words to be glanced over and forgotten, but rather words that need to sink deep within our souls as a reminder of why we are here and whom we are to serve.
“If you refuse to take up your cross…” Your cross has to do with God’s purpose for your life and why He created you in the first place. Each of us has been uniquely created for His purpose in our lives.
Our refusal of that purpose—or, in some cases, our lack of interest—reveals a heart issue. It can show a lack of gratitude and a lack of awareness of who God truly is. We are not here of our own accord, so what makes us think we can chart our own course? It’s almost as if we say, “Thanks, God! I have it from here,”—but without the thanks. Such hubris, ignorance, and arrogance.
Do we really think Jesus was kidding when He said this? Our problem is that we often fail to take the time to reflect on His Word and consider its application in our lives.
Are we living for ourselves, or are we living for God? I used to think that living for God meant you had to drop everything and go into ministry. If you are called to ministry, then absolutely—but not everyone is called to that.
Living for God means presenting all that we are to Him and giving Him use of our time, talents, and abilities for His glory. You can serve God in the medical field, the business world, the entertainment industry, the educational system, government, media, or in ministry. There are many ways to serve God.
For some clarity, consider this Scripture:
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” —Colossians 3:23–24 (NLT)
Who are we doing what we do for? Answer that question, and you will know whether an adjustment is needed.
“If you refuse to take up your cross…” Your cross has to do with God’s purpose for your life and why He created you in the first place. Each of us has been uniquely created for His purpose in our lives.
Our refusal of that purpose—or, in some cases, our lack of interest—reveals a heart issue. It can show a lack of gratitude and a lack of awareness of who God truly is. We are not here of our own accord, so what makes us think we can chart our own course? It’s almost as if we say, “Thanks, God! I have it from here,”—but without the thanks. Such hubris, ignorance, and arrogance.
Do we really think Jesus was kidding when He said this? Our problem is that we often fail to take the time to reflect on His Word and consider its application in our lives.
Are we living for ourselves, or are we living for God? I used to think that living for God meant you had to drop everything and go into ministry. If you are called to ministry, then absolutely—but not everyone is called to that.
Living for God means presenting all that we are to Him and giving Him use of our time, talents, and abilities for His glory. You can serve God in the medical field, the business world, the entertainment industry, the educational system, government, media, or in ministry. There are many ways to serve God.
For some clarity, consider this Scripture:
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” —Colossians 3:23–24 (NLT)
Who are we doing what we do for? Answer that question, and you will know whether an adjustment is needed.
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