“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Beloved, it is clear from the aforementioned Scriptures that if we are disciples of Christ, we are followers of Christ. Some of us are comfortable being ‘fans’ of Christ by reading His Words, applauding His accomplishments, and partaking in the benefits of His Salvation as indicated in Psalm 103:2-5. As a disciple of Christ, however, you have a worldwide mandate to evangelise lost souls for Him (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20), and not to be on the sidelines cheering on those who are on active duty, proclaiming the Gospel to the lost.
It was never God’s intention for us to be ‘pew warmers,’ which is likened to soldiers in barracks, feeding off the fat but never venturing out to actually serve. Some of us have never said, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” to wage war against the enemy for the lost souls who are held captive by satan’s devices. We have paid scant regard to the fact that the harvest is ripe, but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:35-38).
Saints, the command that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 16:24 is still relevant to us today. For those who commenced Ministry but have withdrawn your services for some reason or another, heed Jesus’s words: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” – Luke 9:62 (NIV).
Soldiers of the cross, our job is to listen to God and obey His voice. God’s primary way of speaking to us is through the Bible. Storing information in our brains doesn’t change our lives. Having knowledge that we put into practice, on the other hand, makes all the difference, for wisdom is the application of knowledge. After all, “…he who wins souls is wise – Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV).
Friends, the title “Disciple” is not given in absentia of the role and responsibilities that come with it. As servants of God, we have to do the work of the Lord diligently and love our God with all our hearts, all our souls, and with all our minds and strength (Mark 12:30-31).
Serve the Lord your God with all diligence in 2025!
Read: Luke 14:26; John 15:16
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 28; Mark 11:1-26; Leviticus 7:11-38; Leviticus 8
