On Following Jesus: A Matter of Discipline

We all have a goal to live life in a way that we grow in the Lord’s salvation.  We desire to live the Gospel, pray deeper and more meaningfully; delve into studying the Bible, and to allow God’s Spirit to guide and empower us.  Oddly, when an opportunity is given by a spiritual leader to help you grow, the answer to the invitation is less eager.  We soon waffle, we don’t have time, or an absolute surrender to the Spirit is not meant for you, you are just not ready. 

Our response goes against what we said we desired and what Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matt 16:24 NLT).  The distinction is this, are we following Jesus, or just thinking we’re good enough to get into heaven sometime convenient?  
We must ever remember:

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

A Disciple is disciplined to follow,

Owen <><