The Counter-Cultural Way of Christ

Scripture – Luke 9:23-27: 23Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Reflection: This brings to mind Mark Twain’s old observation about being troubled, not by the things in the Bible he didn’t understand, but by those he did. I could focus on verse 27 and wonder what Jesus meant. I could look at verse 26 and wonder if Christ will really be ashamed of me.

But the most troubling verses are 23-25. I don’t have to guess about their meaning. I just have to embrace them and put them into practice.

What are the implications of denying myself and losing my life for Christ. How will that come into play today? How will that set me apart? Am I willing to do that today? Will I follow the counter-cultural way of Christ?

Lord, give me wisdom and courage to answer those questions today. Teach me to live like you.