In a day where there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of what following Jesus actually entails, I found this simple point and illustration to be profoundly helpful.

J.D. Greear writes:

Jesus said following Him meant “denying ourselves” and “taking up our cross.” It is important to note that He didn’t give us a list of things to deny; He said we must deny our very selves, that is, the center of our desires, decision-making faculties, and source of identity. in those days, “taking up your cross” would have meant forfeiting any hold on your life.

My childhood Sunday school teacher used to say it like this, “In every heart there is a throne and a cross. If Christ is on the throne, self must be on the cross. But if self is on the throne, Christ will be on the cross.” (Taken from Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, p. 60-61).

Which is it for you, my friend? Who sits on the throne and who hangs upon the cross in your heart? Who is neglected and forsaken and who reigns as king? You or Jesus?