LIVING FOR GOD IS LIVING A SACRIFICIAL LIFE

 Luke 9:23 Says; "Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’"


This verse is central to Christian discipleship. Notice the words “to them all”—Jesus gave this command to everyone, not just to His chosen apostles. Following Jesus is not optional for some but a call for all believers. Also, notice the word “daily.” Denying self and carrying the cross is not a one-time event but a lifestyle. To follow Christ means to let go of selfish desires, crucify the flesh, and obey Him daily. The cross represents death to self and total surrender to God’s will.

When Jesus said these words, some Christians misunderstood and took them literally. Some thought He meant to quit their jobs, sell all their property, and become preachers. But Jesus did not say everyone must become a full-time minister. Instead, He said to all: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.

For those not called into full-time ministry, self-denial means living unselfishly. It means not pursuing worldly pleasures and fleshly desires. Your body may crave comfort and luxury, but Jesus asks you to crucify the flesh daily. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20 NKJV).

Carrying the cross daily means you must die to selfish ambition and choose God’s purpose. Living for God is pursuing His desires, not your own. For example, your job is not just to give you wealth for pleasures. Sacrifice means using your resources to help others. Instead of buying a third or fourth luxury car, you might build a hospital, support an orphanage, or fund a church project. That is living sacrificially.

True sacrifice also means following the Holy Spirit’s leading instead of chasing trends and worldly fashions. Living for God is not about self but about serving Him and others. This is what it means to live a sacrificial life.

Prayer: Lord, help me deny myself daily and live a sacrificial life that honors You.

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