Not too long ago, our family went to a waterpark. After having a snack, we headed back to our spot. Knowing the best route, I told the family to follow me. In response to his excitement, my son kept jumping out ahead. Every time we came to a turn, he guessed the wrong path resulting in me correcting him. Finally, after several turns I said to him, “Buddy, you can’t follow if you are in front!” As those words left my mouth, I was immediately reminded of similar words from Jesus.
First, in Matthew 16:24 Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Second, in Matthew 19:30 Jesus says, “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” Jesus is informing us, we cannot follow from in front. Being a true follower requires a lowering of self. In the same way my son could not see the correct way to go, when
we put our wants and desires above Christ, we will be blinded from seeing the example Christ has given us.
we put our wants and desires above Christ, we will be blinded from seeing the example Christ has given us.
It is impossible to follow Christ if we put ourselves in front of him. We have to deny ourselves so we can properly see andfollow the example that He’s given us. As we are witnessing, humility is not a popular concept in the world. Humility creates much difficulty. From a worldly perspective, it is unpopular to lower ourselves. Though there is often difficulty that comes while following Jesus, the rewards are amazing!
Blessings,
Jeremy
