Following Jesus is like a paradox. How can it be possible to gain a life by losing it? Many times I tend to focus on what I am able to do in order to bring my Christian walk significance. Instead, however, I must fix my eyes on Jesus who gave his life for me so that I can truly love. Picking up my cross means thanking Him for dying on the cross for me. It means responding to that saving act of grace by denying that which is not good for me in exchange for whatever He wants for me. Many things in this world are enticing, but nothing compares to the glorious riches that come from being known by the one who gave it all for me.
Help me, Father, to respond to your grace, deny myself and live for you today.