"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24
Jesus tells his disciples this after the first prediction of his death. Basically telling them following me is a true commitment. A commitment that may risk death.
How often I think we take following Jesus light hearted. When we except Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we declare our life is about to change. This means changing who we are, changing our speech and actions, serving and giving to others, speaking truth and acting in love, connecting with God and growing our relationship with him, putting him first, and it means turning from our selfish ways, accepting his love and hardships/persecutions and following him.
Verse 25 and 26 go with this verse. They may be familiar to you and I encourage you to read them, dive deep and grow in him. Whether you've believed in Jesus your whole life or for just 10 minutes, decide today is the day you invest in your relationship with Him. Decide today is the day you take up your cross and allow Him to consume you.
Living for His cross.