following Jesus comes with a price

Definition of crucify

verb (used with object), cru·ci·fied, cru·ci·fy·ing.

1. to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross.

2. to treat with gross injustice; persecute; torment; torture.

3. to subdue (passion, sin, etc.).

One of the definitions of ‘crucify’ is subdue. Some synonyms of ‘subdue’ are: conquer, overcome, tame, discipline. Galatians 2:20 is probably one of the hardest New Testament scriptures to align with spiritually. It’s easy to say, not easy to do.

Here’s an important sermon on what it means to follow Jesus (see video).

Being sincere about our commitment to follow Jesus comes with a price. It’s about putting aside everything we think we are and are supposed to do and become everything God is calling us to do. Sometimes that means stopping some habits, ending some relationships, quitting a job, maybe even moving to another part of the world. In other words, a sacrifice is required when we truly follow the guiding of the Holy Spirit in our lives. That’s what it really means to follow Jesus.

One of the hardest things I had to sacrifice was my own ego. Even though I had learned how to pray, read the Bible, worship, and even speak in tongues, letting go of (sacrificing) my ego took many years to learn. Many years ago, I prayed that God would help me love like He loves. I didn’t know that I would have to go through relationship challenges that would test my patience, test my resolve to choose compassion, and to learn to pray for my enemy. I didn’t know that I would have to let go of society’s idea of what it means to be a man. I didn’t know that my will had to be broken with tears after recognizing that I was clinging to ideas that weren’t my own.

It might not seem worth the effort to follow Jesus if some kind of sacrifice is required. But what lifestyle doesn’t come with its consequences (its own form of sacrifice)? It’s a matter of deciding what consequences you’re willing to accept. However, there’s something more that comes with following Jesus: peace, love, joy, understanding. Underneath our sacrifice is a realization that we’re living the life we’re meant to live when we follow Jesus. He’s not going to give us something we don’t want. When we follow Jesus He ultimately give us everything we need.

#crucifyflesh #followJesus