Freedom always comes at a cost. We mark it with fireworks, parades, and patriotic songs, but someone had to pay the price. On July 4th, we remember those who sacrificed for our country’s freedom. In a similar way, we can forget about another kind of freedom—the one Jesus Christ bought for us on the cross.
The real question isn’t just whether we’ve accepted that freedom. It’s what we choose to do with it now.
An Invitation, Not a Command
In Luke 9:23, Jesus presents a striking invitation: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Look at how Jesus speaks. He doesn’t force or demand; He invites. The invitation is open to everyone, no matter your background, past, or current situation. Still, saying yes to this invitation means real obedience—something many Christians today often overlook.
We live in a world that praises self-care, self-improvement, and self-promotion. Messages everywhere tell us, “You deserve it! Take care of yourself! You’ve earned this!” But Jesus calls us to something different: to deny ourselves. That’s probably the hardest thing anyone can do. It means letting go of what you want, what you think you deserve, and what feels comfortable. It means putting others first—not just sometimes, but as a daily habit.
Taking Up Your Cross Daily
Today, when we see crosses, they’re often jewelry, tattoos, or fashion accessories. We’ve made the cross into something trendy and easy to accept.
But in Jesus’ time, if someone carried a cross through town, everyone knew that person would not return. The cross was a tool for torture and death. It showed the greatest kind of sacrifice.
Jesus doesn’t ask us just to wear a cross. He asks us to carry one and to let go of our own desires every day.
This isn’t something you decide once at church. It’s a choice you make every day. Each morning, we have to pick up our cross again. We choose surrender instead of selfishness. We accept discomfort, obedience, and sacrifice.
Saving Your Life by Losing It
Jesus presents a paradox in Luke 9:24: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.”
Following Jesus means letting go of things that won’t last so we can gain what lasts forever. Think about it: whether you live to be 100 or 30, your tombstone gets the same small dash. That little dash is your whole life here, and it’s tiny compared to eternity.
We spend our lives collecting things that won’t last. We work hard to save money, but after we’re gone, others will argue over it. We try to keep our comfort, reputation, and plans, but all of that will fade away. In the end, what really matters are the memories and the difference we made in other people’s lives. Everything else is left behind.
What Are You Really Valuing?
Jesus asks a penetrating question in Luke 9:25: “For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world and yet loses or forfeits himself?”
What are you holding onto? What are you afraid to let go of? What is taking Jesus’ place as your top priority?
If you say your family comes first, that’s not right. Jesus has to be first. This doesn’t mean you love your family less. It means you love them in the right way, with the love of Christ.
When Jesus is truly in charge of your life, everything else finds its right place. But if we put anything else first—like our job, comfort, reputation, or relationships—we turn it into an idol.
The Danger of Peacekeeping
One of the most convicting truths is this: we weren’t called to be peacekeepers. We were called to be peacemakers.
Peacekeepers stay silent to avoid conflict. They watch wrong happen and say nothing because they don’t want to rock the boat. They know the truth but keep quiet because “it’s not the right time” or “I’m just trying to keep the peace.”
There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing.
When we know right from wrong and stay silent, we’re ashamed of Jesus—even if we’d never admit it. When someone uses His name in vain, and we say nothing, we’re ashamed. When our family mocks faith, and we don’t speak up, we’re ashamed. When culture contradicts Scripture, and we go along to get along, we’re ashamed.
Jesus warned that whoever is ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of when He comes in glory (Luke 9:26). That’s a sobering thought.
Christians vs. Followers
The modern church has created many Christians but few followers. It has made many hearers, but few who truly follow.
Christians know the lingo. They can quote a verse or two. They’ve walked an aisle, said a prayer, and gotten baptized. They might even serve occasionally—especially if there’s a good photo opportunity.
But followers? Followers have denied themselves. They’ve taken up their cross. They’re in the battle daily, getting bruised and beaten, but they keep going because they love Jesus more than their own lives.
Following Jesus isn’t occasional—it’s every day. It’s not convenient—it costs everything. And it doesn’t always make sense—but we trust Him anyway. The Parachute Principle
Imagine being on a turbulent flight. The flight attendant tells you to put on a parachute, but it’s uncomfortable. You take it off. She insists, so you put it back on, but it restricts your movement. You take it off again.
Then the pilot announces the plane is going down. Anyone with a parachute can jump to safety. Would you wish you’d kept the parachute on?
We preach a gospel that doesn’t prepare people for the jump. We tell them everything will be great, then they get devastating news from the doctor, or their child dies, or their marriage falls apart. If they’re not grounded in Christ—truly following Him, not just admiring Him—they’ll throw off their faith when turbulence comes.
Remember Why You Follow
Jesus loved you first. He gave everything for you. He would go to the cross again today if necessary.
Why? So why wouldn’t we follow someone like that? Why wouldn’t we go all in? Following Jesus is the best decision you can make. He’s calling today—not just to salvation, but to true discipleship. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Him faithfully, no matter the cost.
He is Lord, and we are His. Period. So decide today to follow Him fully.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 