Written By Benjamin Dankaka
Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Clearly, Jesus wasn’t referring to a physical cross. He didn’t mean we would all have to live and die in the same way He did. Specifically, Jesus wanted us to know that we will all face our own troubles as Christians. Though we are bound to suffer, Christ assures us that our suffering will not be in vain. Just as He was raised to life, after His suffering, we too will be raised after our suffering.
But the cross of Christ isn’t just any kind of misery. You see, whether we like it or not, life often hits everyone with troubles. You don’t have to be a Christian to face persecution. Even as an unbeliever, you could suffer for your principles. So we should not assume that every problem in our lives is a sign that we are carrying the cross. The daily cross that Jesus meant can only come when we walk with Him. Are you having troubles because of your faith or is your suffering caused by your own foolish acts? Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I not suffer for the wrong reasons. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Peter 4:12-19; Luke 9:23-27; Matthew 5:10-11
Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.