Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NIVpassivity, laziness, time-wasting, self-serving evenings-- all share weight on this cross i bear today. these particular sins have bubbled to the surface, illuminated by the spirit of truth, needing attention, action. today i take up this cross and follow Him. stumbling under the weight and burden of this yoke, i am eager to be free of it.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7 NIV
freedom from sin! the price is high, though -- death.
yet, at this point, death will be a relief. the necessary option.
freedom through death.
hope whispers more...
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:5 NIV
certainly united in resurrection
death is not the end. this is certain.
death is the beginning. the beginning of renewal; a new life. life free from the weight and burden of sin.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
so, i take up this cross of self-serving attitudes and follow Him. losing my life, bit by bit.
necessary death leads to certain resurrection.
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
and i look forward to the power of grace working, transforming this broken vessel into something beautiful, loving, selfless.
photo: symbolically celebrating "new life" through death in Christ - planting flowers
