Hi Friends! Thanks for taking a minute to open this and read it. It’s been several months since I sent one out. Let’s jump in.
Mark 8:34 reminds us that Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
What makes this challenge hard is that it includes being willing to suffer when we do things right. In fact, Peter says we are called to that! I Peter 2:20ff, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
Paul said in Philippians 3:10 that He wanted to, “Know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.”
Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM, the movement Kristy and I are a part of, taught that most anger is a sign of a right we aren’t willing to yield. Many times, the right we are holding onto is a right that is good, such as the right to be:
- Valued
- Respected
- Heard
We should honor other people’s rights and there are times we should stand up for ours. But the very nature of the Gospel is laying down our life (and rights) for others. That is the example and teachings of Jesus! He modeled how to, “Be angry and sin not.” Ephesians 4:26
This week if you are angry about something, ask God, “What right am I holding onto?” Maybe it’s as simple as, “I have the right to drive without being cut off.” Or maybe it is more personal, such as, “I have the right for my spouse to ‘mutually submit to me.’ (Ephesians 5:21)”
Then surrender that right to Jesus. Take up your cross and follow Him!
