“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:24–25
Jesus calls us to a life that is radically different from the self-centered ways of the world. To “take up the cross” is to live beyond ourselves—to surrender selfish desires, ambitions, and pleasures, and instead live for the glory of God.
The life of a disciple is not about what we want, but about what God desires. Paul reminds us:
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” – Galatians 5:24
This is only possible through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit redirects our desires away from sin and self, and aligns our hearts with the will of God. Without Him, we cannot live the God-centered life Jesus calls us to.
Children of God are marked by a hunger for His presence and a passion for His mission. As Romans 8:5 declares:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
When we surrender fully, we discover that losing our lives for Christ’s sake is not a loss at all—it is the path to true life, purpose, and eternal joy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who gives us the power to live beyond ourselves. Teach us to deny selfish desires and to carry our cross daily with joy and faith. Let our hearts be fixed on the things of the Spirit, and may our lives glorify Jesus in all we do. Help us to live surrendered, God-centered lives that shine Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible verses
-
Galatians 2:20
-
Colossians 3:2
-
Philippians 1:21
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
10 September, 2025
Living a God-centered life
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:24–25
Jesus calls us to a life that is radically different from the self-centered ways of the world. To “take up the cross” is to live beyond ourselves—to surrender selfish desires, ambitions, and pleasures, and instead live for the glory of God.
The life of a disciple is not about what we want, but about what God desires. Paul reminds us:
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” – Galatians 5:24
This is only possible through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit redirects our desires away from sin and self, and aligns our hearts with the will of God. Without Him, we cannot live the God-centered life Jesus calls us to.
Children of God are marked by a hunger for His presence and a passion for His mission. As Romans 8:5 declares:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
When we surrender fully, we discover that losing our lives for Christ’s sake is not a loss at all—it is the path to true life, purpose, and eternal joy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who gives us the power to live beyond ourselves. Teach us to deny selfish desires and to carry our cross daily with joy and faith. Let our hearts be fixed on the things of the Spirit, and may our lives glorify Jesus in all we do. Help us to live surrendered, God-centered lives that shine Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible verses
-
Galatians 2:20
-
Colossians 3:2
-
Philippians 1:21
