Jesus said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Christ warns us that discipleship is not something that happens without intent. One has to choose to follow Christ and that will often mean putting one’s ego-driven wants to the background in favour of living out God’s plan. The wording is quite brutal. If you don’t choose Christ, you “lose your life”. There is wholeness awaiting us when we seek out and live God’s plan for us. Jonathan Pageau talks about the only way we will change the world for the better is to strive to live the life of a saint. It is a sacrificial life where you give up what you thought to be your wants in pursuit of a higher purpose. The paradox is that the act of doing so leads you to fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Luke 9:23-26 offers a thoughtful perspective on the demanding yet rewarding nature of Christian discipleship. Here are some points to consider:
DeleteActive Choice and Sacrifice: You rightly emphasize the active decision required to follow Christ, often involving sacrificing personal desires for a higher purpose. This aligns with the central message of the passage about prioritizing God's will over oneself.
Beyond Brutality: While the wording may seem harsh, consider different interpretations. "Losing your life" might not solely imply eternal damnation, but also losing an authentic, purpose-driven existence. Finding wholeness through God's plan could be about aligning oneself with a meaningful path.
Saintliness and Transformation: Jonathan Pageau's observation about pursuing saintliness resonates with the passage's call to live by higher principles. This sacrificial life can be challenging, but ultimately leads to personal transformation and fulfillment.
Additional Considerations:
Diverse Interpretations: Remember, scholars offer various interpretations of this passage, including metaphorical and social-political perspectives. It's valuable to explore different viewpoints to enrich your understanding.
Finding Balance: While prioritizing God's will is important, neglecting self-care and personal needs can lead to burnout. Finding a healthy balance between self-denial and self-worth is crucial.
Personal Journey: Discipleship is a unique journey for each individual. Understanding your values, aspirations, and what aligns with your understanding of God's plan is key.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with the text and its implications. Remember, faith is a continual process of exploration and reflection. Keep questioning, engaging with diverse perspectives, and shaping your personal understanding of what it means to follow Christ in your own unique way.