“And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests] and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” (Luke 9:23 The Amplified Bible)
This is not Monday, the day we try our best to give you a short meditation. It is Sunday! Nevertheless, I will try to be brief so as not to interfere with you preparing to attend worship service this morning.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t rearrange something. I move a picture. I reposition décor items for a better balance of color. I relocate candles from one room to the next because of the color of the candle jars. I exchange chairs in one room with another as deemed appropriate. I switch lamps around. I even make changes in the rooms that are pretty much only used when we have company, or when the children come home for a visit. One of my sons used to ask when he arose at 3:00 a.m. and came upstairs to get something out of the refrigerator and caught me rearranging, “Now what are you changing?” I have a defense for my behavior. It has nothing to do with being compulsive, but it has everything to do with making things look better. Yes, “better” is my goal. It’s an everyday thing!
It is the first day of the week. So, start your week by acknowledging that you must strive for “better” as a follower of Christ every single day! Everybody, including you and me, have an area where we need to strive for “better.” Status quo is never applicable on our Christian journey. Therefore, go beyond your comfort zone daily and rearrange or readjust your identified improvement area(s) so it is evident, beyond a doubt, that you are conforming to Christ’s example. Remember, “It’s an everyday thing.”
Do you want some more help? Well head out to worship service and along with praising the Lord, aside from thanking Him in the sanctuary, attentively listen to the specific message that God is sending specifically to you for a specific purpose. Note: It is like receiving a surprise gift from your employer. You can’t be absent. You have to be there to get it! Needless to say, but still, I admonish you, “Be there!” Enjoy worship today! See what the Lord will show you! Be blessed!
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:11 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King