To follow yourself is to lose yourself.
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
-Mark 8:34-36
We all follow something: an influencer on social media, a YouTube how-to channel, a podcast on a favorite topic, a diet, instructions for IKEA furniture. No matter what we’re following at any given time, we have to give something up. What you’re following determines your level of sacrifice. If it’s a social media influencer, maybe you’re giving up something from your closet. If you’re following a diet, you’re giving up your favorite junk food. If you’re building a piece of furniture, you’re giving up your pride or control or mental state. To follow something requires a sacrifice.
It’s the same for following Jesus, and that’s clear in this passage of Mark 8. Following Jesus means you “deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Jesus and for the gospel will save it.”
To follow yourself is to lose yourself. The sacrifice in the moment doesn’t feel like a lot—you may not even realize you’re sacrificing anything at all! But the loss is eternal. Jesus is saying that when you follow him, you’ll have to sacrifice your plans, your ideas of right and wrong, and your control, but in the process, you’ll gain a greater plan for your life, a guide to life in Scripture, and a purpose greater than yourself.
So, if following Jesus requires sacrifice, what are you sacrificing? What does it mean for you to follow Jesus?
Over the past few weeks, we have explored hymns that have influenced past generations. Today, we focused on a hymn that is shaping our generation and those to come, proclaiming the promise of new life in Jesus. It's easy to say yes to Jesus, yet many of us remain trapped in our old ways. Our sins imprison us, but Jesus has paid the ultimate price for our freedom, allowing us to find new life in Him. Key reflections from today include: recognizing that following Jesus transforms us into new creations, understanding that sin is a destructive force, not a trivial amusement, and realizing that our goal should be to draw closer to Jesus, not just to avoid sin. This week, spend time in prayer, confessing the worldly things that hold you back. Identify your personal "jail cell" and lay it at the feet of Jesus.
In difficult times, finding true joy can be challenging, often leading us to either ignore our emotions or try to control everything to prevent bad outcomes. Neither approach is effective. Instead, we can learn from King David in the Psalms, who shows us a different path: he wrestles honestly with his feelings, speaks God’s truth over them, and eventually, his feelings align with the truth he believes. To experience true joy in tough circumstances, we must turn to God's truth and love, finding joy in who God is rather than in changing our circumstances.
In difficult times, finding true joy can be challenging, often leading us to either ignore our emotions or try to control everything to prevent bad outcomes. Neither approach is effective. Instead, we can learn from King David in the Psalms, who shows us a different path: he wrestles honestly with his feelings, speaks God’s truth over them, and eventually, his feelings align with the truth he believes. To experience true joy in tough circumstances, we must turn to God's truth and love, finding joy in who God is rather than in changing our circumstances.
Exploring hymns from our past help us find confidence in our present and hope for our future. Hymns are the testimony of one generation’s faith to the next. Today, we still write hymns as a way to pass our faith onto the next generation. When something is good, you can’t stop talking about it. When something is bad, you can’t stop talking about it. Our words carry weight. God has given each of us a testimony, and there is power in that testimony.
Our hope for you is to understand that Church is not merely a physical building or a service you attend; it is a family to which you belong. You are the Church, embodying Jesus and forming a family around Him. While the works we do for God are important, our love for Him is paramount. God has started a good work in each of us and will continue to grow that work until we meet Jesus. The most important thing God desires is a personal relationship with you. As you move through the summer, consider making July a month dedicated to knowing God more deeply. Spend daily time with Him, not as a task to be checked off, but as an invitation to grow your relationship with Jesus. Reflect on the significance of loving God more than the works you do for Him, and pray for guidance on how to deepen your connection with Him.
A safe person is easy to describe and sometimes hard to find! They are mostly healthy— remember: no one’s perfect—and help you become who God created you to be. They can be spouses, friends, mentors, or family. Whether you have this person in your life or are still seeking them out, there are a few ways to prepare yourself and your relationships! Let’s talk about 3 practices for healthy relationships!
Our lives are filled with diverse relationships, including friendships, family, and church connections, all designed by God. Corrupting these relationships leads to dysfunction and unhealthiness. The biblical story of Jacob and Esau illustrates the consequences of dishonesty in relationships. Safe people, who are crucial for healthy relationships, are honest, non-condemning, and authentic. They own their issues rather than deceive themselves or others. To foster honesty, we are encouraged to engage in honest conversations and pray for guidance, ensuring we and future generations benefit from healthier relationships.
Between the constant news updates and the habit of doomscrolling on social media, we often fail to recognize the joy being drained from our lives or falsely perceived in others. By stepping back from our screens and observing the world right in front of us, even amidst hardships, we can experience the “Joy of the Lord!” Achieving this requires us to invite God into our lives and walk the path back to joy. This journey may look different for each of us, as we are all uniquely designed and wired, but God's desire is for us to enjoy Him and His creation.
Our lives are filled with diverse relationships, including friendships, family, and church connections, all designed by God. Corrupting these relationships leads to dysfunction and unhealthiness. The biblical story of Jacob and Esau illustrates the consequences of dishonesty in relationships. Safe people, who are crucial for healthy relationships, are honest, non-condemning, and authentic. They own their issues rather than deceive themselves or others. To foster honesty, we are encouraged to engage in honest conversations and pray for guidance, ensuring we and future generations benefit from healthier relationships.
