Scripture: Luke 9:23
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
What does it mean to truly follow Jesus Christ? Is it enough to say that we believe in him, attend church, and know what the Bible says? Or does following Jesus require something more from us?
Throughout the Bible, we see that God desires more than words. He desires our worship, our faithfulness, and our obedience. In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants who were given a vineyard to care for. The landowner provided everything they needed, yet when it was time to give him the harvest, they refused. They wanted the benefits of the vineyard without fulfilling their responsibility to the owner.
How often do we do the same thing? God has blessed us with opportunities, relationships, resources, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. He has given us his Word to teach us how to live. Yet sometimes we want God's blessings without following his instructions. We want to receive from him, but we struggle to surrender to him.
The harvest God desires from us is a life that reflects our love for him through obedience. Jesus made this clear when he commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything he commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). We are not simply called to believe in Jesus; we are called to follow him.
And following Jesus is not always easy. It means denying ourselves, setting aside our own desires, and choosing God's will over our own. It means showing kindness when we would rather be unkind, speaking truth when silence would be easier, and serving others when we would rather serve ourselves.
Our obedience also serves a greater purpose. When people see the joy, love, and faithfulness of Christ reflected in our lives, they see something different. Our actions can help others come to know the Savior we claim to follow.
So let us ask ourselves an important question: Does our life demonstrate our obedience to God? When we recognize that we have fallen short, do we care enough to repent and turn back to him?
God has entrusted us with his vineyard. Let us be faithful tenants who produce the fruit he desires, living each day with a faith that is more than words.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient to your Word. Forgive me when I choose my own desires over your instructions. Teach me to deny myself, follow Jesus daily, and produce fruit that brings you glory. Let my life be an example that leads others to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
