The Thought For Today

Encouraging You Through God's Word

The life of the believer is one of sacrifice. We are required to be in a posture of denying ourselves. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus reminds us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” As Christians, we are to live a life that is devoted to Christ alone. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” So, the question for you today is, “Are you willing to pay the price?”

Some of us want the easy way in life. We want to do just enough to get by. Because of our sinful nature, we do not want to sacrifice. We want to do our own thing; live our own lives. We will at times give the excuse, “I know Jesus.”; “I go to church!”, but the truth is some of us are not devoted to Him. Jesus deserves our full commitment not just when we feel like it or when we need him. Paying the price requires you to sacrifice everything. We are view this life as only temporary. This is not our home. Romans 12:1 proclaims, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Mark 10:45 declares, “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” You must be willing to lose everything for Christ. In Matthew 10:39 it states, “He that finds his life shall lose it and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it.” So are you willing to pay the price?

Because Christ and not man is your example, you must be willing to pay the price of total surrender and obedience to Jesus. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” What matters most to God is your heart behind your service.

Search myself and go deeper: Examine my life. When was the last time I sacrificed something for Jesus? When was the last time I surrendered my will for His will? When was the last time I told my flesh no in order for Christ’s name to be glorified? Lord Jesus, search my heart today. If there is any selfish way in me remove it. Jesus, you paid a price for me. I desire to honor you with my life.