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Do You Actually Believe What You Say?
What people say they believe, and what they practice can be two different things as we well know. What they practice is often an indicator of what they actually believe. Some say they believe the Bible, but their behavior is incongruent with their words. That being said, do you actually believe the Bible? Do your actions match your words? If they don’t, why the disconnect?
Similarly, our commitment level may also reveal the depth of said belief. It also shows the depth of our love. As Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). In one sense, it separates the wheat from the chaff. When the rubber meets the road, we discover belief and commitment levels. What does the Bible say, and how do we respond? Let’s touch on a few areas.
Are You Willing to Deny Yourself?
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Do you wrestle with not having things your way? Part of denying ourselves is not insisting on it. It includes not inserting ourselves into the mix, but actually stepping back instead. “Does that mean considering other people’s opinions?” Maybe so, but more importantly, we’re most concerned about the Lord’s.
Detaching, and looking objectively can be tough when emotions get involved. Denying ourselves means not allowing our emotions to rule over us, especially in heated moments. It’s important to submit to Holy Spirit, thus bringing our emotions subject to Him.
Deny says, “I love God more than myself and my reputation.” Are you a fool for Jesus? We’re not talking about acting foolish; rather, it’s following Jesus to the point where others call you a fool. There are many aspects of this principle; nonetheless, it can be distilled down to one word: humility. Without it, you will not follow Him.
Are You Willing to Take Up Your Cross?
Carrying your cross means full surrender. It is a place of decision. At Gethsemane, Jesus fully surrendered to the will of Father. The word, Gethsemane, means oil press. It’s a place of pressure where one decides to accept or reject the will of God. Jesus was crucified because He submitted to His will. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39).
Without His death, we would not have new life. If we’re not willing to take up our cross, we will not experience the life God intended for us. Insisting on our way will not bring us the joy that accompanies obedience to Him.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
With our crucifixion, Jesus is free to manifest through us. On this side of eternity, everyone has the ability stand rigid, and not bend his or her knees before Him. It’s voluntary. Even now, Jesus denies Himself in that He does not force us to anything, even though He could. Everyone will bow before Him the other side of eternity. None will be able to resist.
Are You Willing to Follow Him
Are you willing to go wherever Jesus may lead you? Just how far are you willing to go? It’s easy to think in terms of being sent into the proverbial mission field. There is that aspect; however, anywhere you find yourself is a mission field. What about practical day to day living? Like following through when prompted to go somewhere, do or say something you might not normally do otherwise. As crazy as it may sound, are you willing to think outside the box?
How far are you willing to go to allow others to experience ABBA’s love through you? Are you willing to forego retaliation when someone does or says something offensive? When you extend forgiveness, others experience grace and mercy on a level that connects them to His love. Part of making disciples of Jesus Christ is laying our lives down for the sake of others. The flesh craves retaliation, which is why it is important to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. By submitting to Holy Spirit, we make no room for the flesh (see Galatians 5:16).
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Bible tells us God’s goodness, or kindness, leads us to repentance (Romans 4:4). It’s not weak to withhold retaliation. On the contrary it is a sign of strength. In fact, it reveals the strength of love. Perhaps, think of it this way: walking in love encompasses denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
Forgiveness is an act of vengeance. The devil would love nothing more for you to withhold it, so God would withhold forgiveness from you. Jesus said, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). By forgiving others, it keeps mercy open for both parties.
Secondly, retaliation would be a stumbling block for others, especially non-believers. What would be the likelihood of someone turning to God, if one were to go off on the “offending party?” Confessing Jesus to others is more than the words we speak; it includes our manner of living. How we live speaks louder than words.
