The Alarm, the Apology, the Extra Five Minutes
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”Luke 9:23 (KJV)
Most parents would say they would die for their kids. It is easy to say because it will probably never be asked. What is asked, every day, is much smaller and much harder.
Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Daily. For most of us, the cross doesn’t look dramatic. It looks like getting up when the alarm goes off. Apologizing first. Giving five more inconvenient minutes to a child who wants to show you something.
Those small deaths to comfort are where love for our families is actually proven. If we won’t give up our comfort today, our promises to give up our lives someday don’t mean much.
Look for your cross today. It might be small. Pick it up anyway.
Read it yourself
Read Luke 9:23–26. What does Jesus say happens to whoever will save his life?
What small daily cross for your family have you been avoiding?
Lord Jesus, you gave your life for me. Help me give up my comfort daily for the people you’ve given me. Amen.