Is following Jesus mostly giving up?
Our nature? Our dreams? The things that bring us pleasure?
Jesus is clear that we cannot follow Him without giving up.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” [1]
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [2]
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.” [3]
Sometimes I get stuck here– at this giving-up place.
I let fear motivate my surrender (or what I think surrender means), and the motivation of fear does not bring lasting results.
Sometimes I forget
That there is a reason to give up.
That we have reason to let go when we have something we need to grab ahold of.
That there is something better to embrace.
His nature. His dreams. The kind of pleasure we were created for.
Jesus talks about embracing, too.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. [4]
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [5]
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[6]
And when we’re so busy embracing His dreams, His nature, and realizing Him embracing us,
Are we even giving up?
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” [7]
And maybe I just don’t like giving up, and want to make this as comfortable as possible.
But I wonder if, as a person who struggles with being controlled by fear and guilt, Jesus doesn’t need me to ask “What do I have to give up?” as much as “What are you inviting me to embrace?”
Is there danger in thinking this way? I am open to feedback on your perspective on surrender and embracing Jesus.
[1] Matthew 16:24 ESV
[2] Matthew 10:37-39 ESV
[3] Luke 12:33 ESV
[4] Matthew 13:45-46 ESV
[5] 1 John 5:12
[6] 1 John 5:3 ESV
[7] Romans 8:18 ESV
Realizing Provision 
Kerra, I think you are thinking about this is very good ways, especially for people who struggle with fear and false guilt. (I might even reference this in the sermon on Sunday). Run with your arms wide open towards Jesus!
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