Scriptural Reading: Luke 9:23-25

‘‘So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.’’ Luke 14:33 (KJV)

When I realised that going to church is not the same as being born again, this became dawned on me when I gave my life to Christ and I had to part ways with worldly pleasures so that I would be able to see Jesus someday. Apostle Paul understood the importance of forsaking those things that are dear to one’s heart in other to see Jesus. In Philippians 3:7-10 he counted all things as nothing in order for him to serve Jesus Christ better and to know Him intimately.

From our scriptural reading where we took our text from in the book of Luke 9:23-35, Jesus spoke to His disciples and said that anyone that would want to be His follower would have to allow many things to go by denying themselves of things that would hinder them from not following Him. This means forsaking sin to following after righteousness. This way, one can be a true follower of Jesus Christ.

God is a father that is focused and He does not want us to have divided attention for Him and the world. He wants us to live a life of sacrifice daily and to hold on to things of this world with loose hands and not to hold tenaciously to things of this world. He wants us to live free and simple lives and invest more on how to make Heaven.

Whenever we find ourselves struggling to allow some certain things to go and we are in a crossroad, then we can turn to this anchor scripture for comfort and for hope in Christ Jesus as we forsake worldly things for the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘‘And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.’’ Matthew 19:29 (KJV). Can God count on us in taking a difficult decision that will earn us a place in Heaven?

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, help me to live a life of sacrifice by forsaking whatever will hinder me from not making Heaven. Amen

                                    A selfless life is a painful life that gives a gain

                                                                                                                     -The Writer-

OGBAJIBREDE Onome is an Evangelist and a Devotional Writer who inspires and encourages people to come closer to God. His Devotional has featured on Exploits Christian Magazine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution and can be contacted via [email protected]