“24Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” – Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
I think that is the hardest thing to take on, “deny himself”. In other words, I have to forget about me and what I want. I have to think of Christ before me. I am not the important thing here.
“Take up his cross” is referring to the carrying of one’s own cross when headed to death by crucifixion, and is referenced in my ESV commentary for Matthew 10:38: “Crucifixion is a shocking metaphor for discipleship. A disciple must deny himself (die to self-will), take up his cross (embrace God’s will, no matter the cost), and follow Christ.”
“Following Jesus therefore meant a true commitment, the risk of death, and no turning back.” – NIV Commentary, Matthew 16:24
As a follower, a disciple, of Christ, I must commit to His will and not my own. I must take the command of Jesus and “deny himself and take up his cross and follow”.
When you think of where you are in your relationship with Christ, what is your commitment? Who is most important? Will you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow, no matter the cost?
Trevor's Thoughts 