DENY YOURSELVES, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME

 

DENY YOURSELVES, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME

I understand. I love you. Jesus loves you more. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17)" Mohammed Shah sent me a note: 

Man of Faith,

I notice that you speak often of Jesus, even in your condition. I am sorry for what they did to you. I pray for you in the hope that you recover. I was a sinner but came to faith last month. I feel that I am called to a deeper sense of worship to God and I feel my name is getting in the way. Don't you think I should change my name so that people will know I love Jesus?

Sincerely,

Mohammed

I love your craving to love God more with all  your heart, mind and soul. It doesn't matter what another thinks as you daily inspect yourself to find you are successful in your love of God.Call to remembrance Romans 12:1:"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." A steadfast daily renewal of your life will relieve the anxiety of doing uneventful things to love God more. The price has been paid in full by the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. He only requires your discipleship and obedience. He knew your name when He called you to follow Him and it did not stop Him from choosing you: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.(John 15:16)" 

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23, "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." God doesn't want appearances, He wants fruit. Can you imagine being hungry and someone hands you a stone in wrappings rather than bread in wrapping. You would appreciate the gesture but angered by the result. The stone would not suffice your hunger, no matter how neatly wrapped it is. The intentions of the giver will never overcome the slight of the gift. What fruit was borne? In fact, you would lose confidence in the giver's ability to meet basic needs.

But what of Peter and Paul? Didn't they change their name?

Jesus changed Peter's name from Simon to Peter to symbolize a new identity while the apostle Paul adopted his Roman name, Paul, instead of his Hebrew name, Saul, to better minister to a predominantly Gentile audience. Peter's new name signifies a fundamental change in character, while Paul's choice reflects a strategic decision to communicate effectively with non-Jews. God changed Peter's name because of his divine ability to discern that Jesus was the Messiah. It is upon this revelation that the church is built. The people-pleaser needs to please others for reasons that may include fear of rejection, insecurities, the need to be well-liked. If he stops pleasing others, he thinks everyone will abandon him; he will be uncared for and unloved. God will not reject you or abandon you. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus makes it plain what He wants you: "lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Give Him the Glory by keeping your name, bearing fruit and giving Him your worship daily.

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."