Walking With Jesus

Then Jesus told His disciples, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24 (RSV)

Raised in a neighborhood church where everyone knew each other, a young man decided to become a pastor for that same church. After graduating from seminary, the leaders of his school offered him an associate pastor position at a large church in another city, which would have allowed him to gain knowledge and experience in pastoral ministry. But he refused. When he went to his church to announce his desire to serve them, even the pastor criticized him for turning down such an offer. However, no one knew the reason for his refusal.

Two years later, he felt stuck in his responsibilities. He wanted to do more and see his church flourish, but he didn't have much to offer them besides the same old routines. So he began to complain. The pastor asked him, "Why didn't you accept the position at the other church?" He replied that he felt more comfortable with the familiar routines of his church and that he was afraid of taking on greater responsibilities. The pastor explained to him that anyone who wants to follow Christ and please Him must be able to embrace everything that ministry entails. That's where the transformation begins.

We all have great spiritual aspirations. We want to grow in faith, live like the patriarchs of the Old Testament, and have profound experiences with God. But we are a little too comfortable in our current situation, and we don't want to give up the life we're living. This is what prevents us from reaching the spiritual level we dream of. We are afraid to take up our cross and follow Christ as He commands. Growing in God's life means giving up what matters most to us in the world. Until we are ready to surrender everything, even ourselves, we cannot walk with Jesus.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.