The radio announcer was talking with Michael Card about Jesus' death and asked the audience, "What does the idea of taking up your cross and following Jesus mean to you where you are today?" (Yes, Chris Fabry likes words.) I fumbled with my phone, but didn't dare dial as I exited the interstate. Compared to the 71-year-old woman's ups and downs, my personal examples felt silly. However, these examples came to mind immediately, and I know there is no inconsequential choice. If I'd called in, this is what I would have said:
Today, dying to myself meant not eating the frosted cherry pop-tart. I wanted it. Really wanted it, but I have been convicted of consuming more calories than I need. Disobedience, following my wants and desires, would have been eating the pop tart. Obedience, following Jesus, meant choosing a low-calorie alternative.
Today, dying to myself meant placing a call to the nursing home. "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble..." (James 1:27). I've been unable to connect with this friend lately. Disobedience would be indulging in story-world via an audiobook or netflix. Obedience meant putting my friend's preferences before my own.
Today, I am reminded that dying to self is not all about loss, for God's rule of sowing and reaping applies at all times. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). When I do that which is right and good and pleasing to God in faith, I am rewarded with like consequences. I feel good, my heart is filled with joy and peace, my faith is assured and doubt is diminished.
As I choose to follow Christ in obedience, in suffering, in dying to self, I am encouraged that God provides for each and every need, that I might glory in Him and glorify Him! As a result of the radio program and meditating on Jesus' sacrifice, I pray that death to myself would be more than martyrdom; that it would be the supernatural outpouring of gratitude and devotion. It is Jesus Christ, beaten, brutally killed, bearing the wrath of Almighty God in my place, who rose to victory over sin and the grave! It is because of this that I can joyfully endure trial, temptation, loss (Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:2-4).
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
Today, dying to myself meant not eating the frosted cherry pop-tart. I wanted it. Really wanted it, but I have been convicted of consuming more calories than I need. Disobedience, following my wants and desires, would have been eating the pop tart. Obedience, following Jesus, meant choosing a low-calorie alternative.
Today, dying to myself meant placing a call to the nursing home. "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble..." (James 1:27). I've been unable to connect with this friend lately. Disobedience would be indulging in story-world via an audiobook or netflix. Obedience meant putting my friend's preferences before my own.
Today, I am reminded that dying to self is not all about loss, for God's rule of sowing and reaping applies at all times. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). When I do that which is right and good and pleasing to God in faith, I am rewarded with like consequences. I feel good, my heart is filled with joy and peace, my faith is assured and doubt is diminished.
As I choose to follow Christ in obedience, in suffering, in dying to self, I am encouraged that God provides for each and every need, that I might glory in Him and glorify Him! As a result of the radio program and meditating on Jesus' sacrifice, I pray that death to myself would be more than martyrdom; that it would be the supernatural outpouring of gratitude and devotion. It is Jesus Christ, beaten, brutally killed, bearing the wrath of Almighty God in my place, who rose to victory over sin and the grave! It is because of this that I can joyfully endure trial, temptation, loss (Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:2-4).
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
'He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.'
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.'
"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Great thoughts, Sydney. Appreciate the practical-ness of 'dying to myself' -- it is not a theological thing -- it's gritty real.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the friends who handle my business website handle all the stuff on Chris's website, as well as Andrea's (Fabry). Fun, huh?
Wow, so glad you got to hear the program, Sydney. And for responding. This is what it's all about--not just hearing but doing and thinking and living. God bless you!
ReplyDeletecf