Watch
Listen
Click here to listen to the episode on our website
Read
The Transformational Power of Truth
When Jesus spoke about being his disciple, He laid out three clear requirements: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26). This radical calling demands total surrender, not just casual adherence. In both the ESV and NLT translations, Jesus makes it clear that trying to save our life leads to losing it, while giving up our life for His sake leads to finding true life.
Understanding the Cross-Bearing Life
In first-century culture, seeing someone carrying a cross communicated an unmistakable message - their old life was effectively over. For criminals forced to carry their crosses to execution, it meant the end of all worldly pursuits, possessions, and plans. When Jesus used this imagery, He was calling His followers to a similarly complete surrender.
Many want to be fans of Jesus without the cost of true discipleship. They seek salvation while resisting sanctification, wanting to know how much of their old life they can maintain while still being "saved." However, genuine discipleship requires setting aside our plans and desires in favor of God's will.
The Misconception of Desires
A common misunderstanding is that God exists to fulfill our desires. Rather, as we surrender to Him, our desires naturally align with His plans. Some are called to financial success, others to different paths - but whatever we're given comes with responsibility, as "to whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48).
Modern Culture vs. Biblical Truth
Today's society rejects the message of self-denial, instead promoting self-affirmation and avoiding anything perceived as demeaning. Even within some Christian circles, there's resistance to the concept of cross-bearing. However, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted, denying ourselves and taking up our cross means there's no place we won't go, no sacrifice we won't make, and no command we won't obey.
Practical Lessons from Micaiah
The story of Micaiah in 1 Kings 22 illustrates several key principles about standing for truth:
- It's better to be divided by truth than united in error
- Truth that initially hurts but ultimately heals is superior to comfortable lies that eventually destroy
- Being hated for truth-telling is preferable to being loved for lying
- Standing alone with truth surpasses being wrong with the majority
- Ultimate success with truth outweighs temporary success through deception
Living as True Disciples
True discipleship involves finding our God-given assignment and serving faithfully. This includes cheerful giving, practicing first fruits in our finances, and being willing to stand alone for truth when necessary. While the world may reject these principles, authentic followers of Christ embrace them as part of their cross-bearing journey.
The path of discipleship Jesus describes isn't about achieving our best life now in worldly terms. Instead, it's about finding joy in surrender, carrying our cross, and storing up treasures in heaven. This counter-cultural approach leads to the authentic life Jesus promises - one marked by genuine freedom and purpose in Him.