DIE

One of my favorite Scripture passages is the one in Luke chapter 9 where Jesus says: "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."

And it isn't even the denying yourself that's the really hard part; it isn't the taking up your cross that's the really hard part; it's the daily part that's really hard.

"DEATH IS THE WAY TO LIFE FOR THE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST."

The path to hell is the easy road. Do nothing and you get there. The Gospel of Christ, that so many people say is for the foolish and simple, places people on the harder path - the narrower path - to heaven. The reason it's tough is because when Christ calls a man or a woman, He calls them to die. Daily.

That’s more than a clever little deal to tweet about.

First is last - weak is strong - foolish is wise - losing is gaining - dying is living.

Jesus suffered so, ultimately, you wouldn't have to suffer forever, substituting Himself for you - great atonement - on your behalf.

I know it goes against intuition, but death is the way to life for the follower of Christ. He's not asking to make us nicer, He's asking to make us new. As C.S. Lewis said: 'Die before you die. There is no chance after.'

And be blessed.