No Turning Back

whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
LUKE 14:27 AKJV

JESUS ONCE TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS that if their love for Him would not be so great as to make ordinary relational love like what you have for your parent, spouse and children seem as nothing, they could not be His disciple (Luke 14:25-35). On another occasion His words must have shocked His listeners when He said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Three steps, said Jesus, are critical if we desire to take the path of faith. Deny yourself, take up your cross and finally, follow Him.
    Doing all these, though, might run contrary to our nature. We are living in a culture of self. Denying yourself goes far beyond simply going into a cloister or convent and nailing the door shut. It means that Jesus Christ takes first place in your life. It means you no longer are in control of your destiny.
    There is no Christianity without a cross, Such a Christianity is powerless and useless. Following Him is the important part,  the sequel to acknowledge His control.
    God does have a purpose for your life and understanding it is exciting. It centers in obedience. It's about God, not you. Your obedience results in living out the concrete and specific will of God for your life. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is treading the path of obedience to the will of the Father and that is exactly what the Christian life is all about.