"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."(NIV) Matthew 16:24
Bible Reading: Matthew 16:24-26
Being selfish is all about caring for oneself alone at the expense of others. This attitude is very dangerous to the health of a Christian. This attitude does not bring God’s glory into our lives. God desires that the needs of other believers be of prime importance to us. This is because as we put others interest before us in everything, we are indirectly placing our needs before God. It may sound mysterious and awkward but it is the absolute truth.
Let’s look at what led to this exhortation from our Saviour Jesus Christ. Our Lord predicts his death, the kind of death which was not of his will but the Fathers’ will. Now here comes Peter who wants his interest prioritized at the expense of God’s will and that of those who are perishing. Jesus knew the price we would have to pay and knew it would be unbearable for us. He also weighed the cost of disappointing his father (God) then finally said; “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass over me, HOWEVER, not as I WILL but as YOU WILL”
Our Lord took God’s will above his and prioritized our salvation (which includes that Peter). That act of selflessness today has brought us into God’s kingdom.
At present, Jesus is saying we as Christians, who have taken up the cross and decided to follow him, must rid ourselves of SELFISHNESS. We must put God’s will above ours. By this, we will naturally care for others and seek to be blessings to them. God’s will is: THAT ALL GETS SALVATION. And if we obey God, we will be helping others achieve this goal as they meet their needs on earth.
Hymn: Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one,
lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
Refrain Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.