Jesus Christ emphasized the need for godly virtues and spiritual discipline as the basic requirements of God’s kingdom. Jesus said,
“…If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:23-26).
Lesson:
Anyone who calls himself or herself a true Christian must be disciplined and follow Jesus’ teachings that are highlighted below:
- A true Christian must maintain a consistent daily relationship with God (If anyone
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me – Luke 9:23).
- A true Christian must be proud of the gospel and consistently preach it to all people
(Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it – Luke 9:24).
- A true Christian must be factual over all matters (What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? – Luke 9:25).
- A true Christian must identify and support bible views – even when his/her
culture teaches otherwise (Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him, the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels – Luke 9:26).
Prayer:
Dear God, please help me to be a disciplined Christian who prioritizes godly virtues. Let me be dead to the flesh and all other unrighteousness. Assist me to fight the good fight faith as you required so that I can remain fit for your eternal kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.
