Scripture:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” — Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Devotion:

The road to the Kingdom of God is not paved with comfort, but with surrender. It is not a path of self-preservation, but of self-denial. Jesus made it clear that to follow Him means to take up our cross, a call to die daily to ourselves so that we may live fully in Him.

But what does it mean to die on my cross?

The cross is a symbol of sacrifice, suffering, and ultimate victory. Jesus bore His cross, not for His own sins, but for ours, willingly laying down His life so that we might have eternal life. Yet, He also calls us to bear our own crosses, not for salvation (which is a gift of grace) but as a response to His love, as a means of transformation, and as the necessary passage into the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

To take up our cross means:

• Dying to self – Letting go of our own plans, desires, and ways to fully embrace God’s will.
• Enduring trials – Recognizing that suffering for Christ’s sake produces perseverance, character, and hope.
• Living in obedience – Walking the path God has set before us, no matter how difficult, knowing that resurrection follows the crucifixion.

Jesus Himself endured the cross, scorning its shame, because He saw the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). In the same way, our journey of dying to self is not in vain. The Kingdom of God is our inheritance, and the reward far outweighs the cost.

Today, ask yourself: What is my cross? What must die in me so that Christ may reign in me?

It may be pride, fear, sin, selfish ambition, or even comfort that hinders you from fully stepping into God’s purpose. Whatever it is, surrender it. Die to self so that you may live in Him.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I lay down my life before You. Help me take up my cross daily, trusting that in losing my life for Your sake, I will find true life. Give me the strength to endure, the faith to obey, and the hope to press on toward the Kingdom. Let my life be a testimony of Your power and glory.

In Jesus name, Amen.