READING: Joshua 16-18, Luke 8:26-56
Sometimes I find it helpful to summarize our Christian walk in simple statements to remember. For example, I define spiritual disciplines as “a cry for relationship with, and an expression of dependence on God.” I once heard a professor define “fasting” as “wanting to eat at God’s table more than I want to eat at my table.” The well-worn definition of evangelism as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread” still has power to help us think about this task.
When I read today’s New Testament reading, here’s where I land: “Christian living is about giving up self and not worrying about gaining the things of this world.” The two go hand-in-hand, actually. As we take up our crosses daily, we are saying, “I no longer live for self. My life is no longer my own. I give myself fully to follow God with all my being.” When we come to that point in our lives, that commitment obviously changes the focus of our attention. No longer do we find our value in the number of possessions we own. No more do we think we must gain power and prestige to be important. We begin to realize the truth that who we live for matters more than what we live for. “Stuff” in our lives loses its power, and we stop chasing the world.
I must admit it’s probably easier for me to write these words at age 60 than it was at age 20—and I’m not even sure I would have been ready to accept these words back then. Now, though, my responsibility is to try to help next generations at my seminary to learn these truths. Following Jesus is what matters.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for the way You patiently teach us over the years.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: If things and position tempt you today, lean on Jesus.
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 22-24, Luke 9:28-62
