Our Scripture reading today is Luke 14:25-27.
Verse 27, "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."
When someone heard about a cross in this period of time, they only thought of one word: death. The mention of carrying a cross would mean this individual is on their way to being crucified. This statement by the Lord Jesus would have caught the attention of the multitudes who were around Him. His invitation was not just to follow Him, but also to plan on not returning.
I find this a very challenging but very rewarding verse in the life of the believer. Are we willing to die to a certain area of our life that is holding us back from wholly following Him? “The general idea that these words of Jesus about bearing the cross refer to passive submission to all kinds of afflictions, like disappointments, pain, sickness and grief that come upon man in life, is totally wrong... only a person who for the sake of His service surrenders all self-seeking and abandons all striving after his own interests can be His disciple.” (Geldenhuys)
My interests pale in comparison to what God has planned for my life. His will brings about true satisfaction.