Matthew 16:24-27
As God’s adopted children, we have been given a new purpose: glorifying Him through righteous living. Let’s consider two changes that may be necessary for followers of Jesus.
One potential adjustment has to do with our belief system: A Christian’s thinking ought to match Jesus’. The world’s influence is strong, and if we listened to the culture, we’d push ahead of others, take all the credit for our accomplishments, and keep material possessions for our own use. But students of Scripture know that the last shall be first (Mark 9:35), God is the one who deserves our praise (Ps. 96:4), and Christians are to be generous people (1 Tim. 6:18). What we believe needs to match what the Bible says is true.
Lastly, we may have to redefine our commitments to be sure the Lord comes first. His desires for us should take precedence over what we want and what others ask us to do. We must evaluate our choices in light of God’s plan for us. This may mean letting go of a favorite activity, taking on a new responsibility, or remaining where we are despite yearning to leave. Our Father wants and deserves His children’s full devotion (Matt. 22:37).
These changes do not all happen instantly at salvation; rather, they take place over a lifetime. Whenever the Holy Spirit reveals a deeper truth or calls us to a new work, we will have additional “alterations” to make. But such changes are accompanied by the confidence of knowing that God will use us to fulfill His plan.
