Our brother in Christ, Darrin Forshay, forwards Tozer Daily Devotionals to me from time to time. I've really enjoyed reading them until this one article which just seriously rocked the "temple" in me!!!
This is a perfect article for Christians (deaf and hearing) living in the urban cities where time and priorities are often conflicting with spiritual opportunities. The author made one good point that I would like to point out to Christians in the world, "inconvenience":
"The truth is that every advance that we make for God and for His cause must be made at our inconvenience. If it does not inconvenience us at all, there is no cross in it!"
You may understand this in part or you may not understand it at all! Read on and I'll give an example:
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It May Not Be Convenient
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. --1 Corinthians 9:27
What must our Lord think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the convenience of His people? The truth is that every advance that we make for God and for His cause must be made at our inconvenience. If it does not inconvenience us at all, there is no cross in it! If we have been able to reduce spirituality to a smooth pattern and it costs us nothing--no disturbance, no bother and no element of sacrifice in it--we are not getting anywhere with God. We have stopped and pitched our unworthy tent halfway between the swamp and the peak.
We are mediocre Christians! (Mediocre means poor; settling for the ordinary; moderate in quality; barely adequate.)
Was there ever a cross that was convenient? Was there ever a convenient way to die? I have never heard of any, and judgment is not going to be a matter of convenience, either! Yet we look around for convenience, thinking we can reach the mountain peak conveniently and without trouble or danger to ourselves.
Actually, mountain climbers are always in peril and they are always advancing at their inconvenience. "I Talk Back to the Devil, 48."
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Jesus said to His disciples:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26 (niv)
Here are some life instances that we see today to determine whether you are carrying the "cross" or not:
1. Train yourselves to be godly (bible studies, worship, fellowship events)
2. Repentance (daily turn to God)
3. Prayer (Continual conversation with God)
4. Daily Bible reading (Eat and drink God's Word daily which is necessary for growth)
5. Serving (community, neighbors, fellow brother/sister)
6. Correct misunderstanding
7. Being an example (to your spouse, children, family members, co-workers)
8. Let your conversation be seasoned with grace & faith (no profanity, ridicule)
9. Denying self (Jesus was tired yet He carried the cross and walked all the way!)
10. Go the extra mile (Jesus went all the way to die for you!)
11. Seriousness (sober judgment & mind)
12. Daily examination of self (What did I do wrong? What is lacking?)
13. Keeping faith in check
14. Forgive & forget
15. Enjoy the freedom you have with God
16. JOY: Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last
17. Remember your first love (at baptism) and stay loving God
18. Sacrificing self (never indulging in "rights")
19. Faith on Fire (Revelation 3:16; choose between hot or cold; not lukewarm (mediocre).
20. Seeking opportunites to share (keeping eyes and hearts open for opportunities)
21. Keeping the Sabbath Day (Sunday) (Worship your God with others)
22. Give up world's values, entertainment & esteem (Set your minds on things above.)
23. Live not in the flesh but in faith with God (Tired, overcome. Distance, go. Priorities, set God first)
24. Suffer shame for Jesus
25. Be humble
26. Give God the glory in all you do!
27. Be disciplined.
28. Be consistent.
29. Put God first in your life (He's #1 in your list of priorities! Never bump Him down!)
Why go through all this? Because Jesus did!
"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" Galatians 6:14
"Lord, I don't know what You have in store for me today, in Your sovereign plan for my life. Help me to serve You faithfully, with full discipline, whether it's convenient or not. Amen."
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