Rooted In His WordSample

Jesus summarized the Christian life by saying, ‘“If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me”’ (Matthew 16:24). Given Jesus’ teaching, it can be seen that the lives we lead in service to Him are lives of denial of self and obedience to Him. However, even if we obey His directive, a question remains: How happy are we about it? A life of denial means that we don’t always get what we want. It means that sometimes we have to set aside what we want in order to do what Jesus wants. Will we serve Jesus happily under these conditions, or with complaining and arguing? The Apostle Paul says that we should do everything without complaining about it. After all, if we have made the decision to follow Jesus, then we have also made the decision that following Him is the best way to go in life. It makes no sense, then, to complain about it. What makes sense is to take up our cross and bear it with a good attitude. The way may be hard, but it is the way of Jesus. The way may require great sacrifice, but it is the sacrifice that Jesus asks of us. Further, the Apostle Paul says that we should do everything without arguing about it. After all, if we love Jesus and trust His guidance for our lives, then it makes no sense to argue with Him about what He wants us to do. What make sense is to form arguments in defense of the direction He has chosen, despite the difficulties and obstacles. It is true that many of the great figures in the Bible complained to God on occasion. Job is the classic example. He complained that someone as upright as him should not have to suffer the things that he suffered. God, however, responded by saying, ‘“Who is this ignorant person saying these foolish things?”’ (Job 38:2). It is perfectly acceptable to bring our cares and concerns before God, but it is never acceptable to blame Him or accuse Him of doing wrong. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus and obey the will of God, then make sure you perfect your decision with a good attitude.