Joel M Bradshaw

24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.–Matthew 16

1. Are you living the life of self-denial? Our world teaches self-love, self-focus, self-pursuit, etc. What Jesus expects is radically different.
2. Are you daily and progressively ‘putting to death’ the former you? To take up your cross was to march to your crucifixion. If you are still living like the former you then you are not living the new life in Christ.
3. At your core, is your life about you or about Jesus? If you live for your for yourself and your pursuits and goals, then you will not be prepared to lose that perspective. What you are willing to lose or give up for the sake of Christ reveals your priorities. What you are unwilling to lose for the sake of Christ reveals your idols.
4. Where is your GPS set? You are either pursuing the temporary things of this world most or the eternal matters of your very soul. The things you pursue most are the destinations you prioritize an orient your life to achieve.
5. How will Jesus most likely view your answers to questions 1-4? Jesus said he is coming back and when he does he will be bringing a response to the way you have lived your life. This should be soberingly serious. If you claim Jesus, then pay attention.

As always, I have a lot to consider in my own heart and life. How about you?–JMB