“Don’t
suffer for the wrong reasons.”
KEY VERSE: 1 Peter 4:15-16
Written By Ben Dankaka
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny
himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Obviously, Jesus wasn’t
referring to a physical cross. And He didn’t mean we would have to live or die
in the same way He did. Specifically, Jesus wanted us to know that we would have
to face our own troubles. Though we are bound to experience crises, Christ
assures us that our suffering will not be in vain. However, it is important for
us to realize that the “daily cross” isn’t just any kind of trouble.
Whether we like it or not, life hits everyone with
troubles. You don’t have to be a Christian to face persecution. Even if you’re
an atheist, you could be rejected for your beliefs. Whether you love Christ or
not, life can hit you with travails. Crises don’t affect people, based on their
religious affiliations. So, we shouldn’t assume that every problem in our lives
is a sign that we are carrying the cross that Jesus talked about. If your suffering is due to a foolish act,
then it isn’t a cross. It is my prayer that you will not suffer for the
wrong reasons.
Prayer/Confession: By the grace of God, I’ll not suffer for the
wrong reasons. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Luke 9:23-27
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