January 27, 2019 -- Matthew 16:24-25 -- Minimum or Maximum?!

Then Jesus told his disciples, “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 ESV

C.H. Spurgeon described the minimum Christian this way:

The minimum Christian! And who is he? The Christian who is going to heaven at the cheapest rate possible. The Christian who intends to get all of the world he can — and not meet the worldling's doom. The Christian who aims to have as little religion as he may — without lacking it altogether.

The minimum Christian goes to worship in the morning; and in the evening also — unless it rains, or is too warm, or too cold, or he is sleepy, or has the headache from eating too much at dinner. He listens most respectfully to the preacher, and joins in prayer and praise. He applies the truth very judiciously — sometimes to himself, oftener to his neighbors

Ah, my brother, are you making this attempt? Beware, lest you find at last that in trying to get to Heaven with a little religion — you miss it altogether; lest without gaining the whole world — you lose your own soul. True godliness demands self-denial and cross-bearing — and if you have none of these, you are making a false profession! C.H. Spurgeon

The text set before today has a picture of glory and cost, of self-denial and wondrous privilege: following Jesus Christ wherever He may lead. It is in stark contrast to the objectives of the minimum Christian! Ultimately Jesus Christ leads us through-out this life, not in dribs and drabs, in minimal expressions and with allowances for laziness—no! He leads us from victory to victory through the maze of battles we face in this life. Jesus Christ leads us to Presence of His Father. Jesus Christ gives to His followers His Word so that we will know right from wrong. Jesus Christ gives us His Spirit so that our strength will not fail. Jesus Christ gives us the family of God—true brothers and sisters who care for us, pray with us, and have our back. This is the picture of the faith that would make the whole world jealous, wondering what is it that Christians have? It is so compelling.

Thank You, Jesus, for inviting us to follow You. Thank You for the assurance that Your cause will not fail. Forgive us for the times we have been minimal Christians and faint-hearted. Forgive us for the times we have known what is right and not carried it out. Thank You for Your victory at the cross, where all the punishment for our sins was poured out on You. What a Savior You are! What a glorious Lord. Renew our strength and our vow to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow You. Amen.