Imagine a husband gazing into his wife’s eyes, declaring with dramatic flair, “I’d die for you!” How does she take it? She rolls her eyes and shoots back, “Die for me? You won’t even take out the garbage for me!”
It’s funny, but it makes a point. We love grand promises. Heroic gestures capture our imagination. But in the end, real love—and real faith—are proven in the small, daily choices we make.
That’s why Luke 9:23 matters.
“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Do you know what it means to deny yourself? Denying self means slamming the door on selfish ambitions that tug at our hearts, the ones whispering, “Me first.”
It means starting the day with prayer. Even when you’d rather just relax with your coffee, choose to pray.
It means serving others selflessly. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or listening to a friend, small acts of kindness reflect Jesus’ love.
It means reading and reflecting on God’s word, practicing gratitude, and choosing forgiveness.
Saying “I will die for Jesus” is easy. But are you willing to live for Him? That is what it means to take up the cross.
Today, choose to live for Him in the small, faithful steps.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.