“And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34, ASV).
When most people hear the word religion, they think of church buildings, rules, clerical robes, church cleric, and preachers telling them what to do. For many, the word religion is an instant turnoff. It might surprise them to know that Jesus did not have a religion, at least not in the sense that they think.
Jesus lived by two beliefs. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:30, 31).
Then Jesus said, “There is none other commandment greater than these.” Only two rules, Jesus? Yes, only two rules. If one obeys these two commandments, he won’t have to worry about anything else. That person will obey God in everything He says, and he will love and help his fellow man.
Jesus demonstrated His love for His fellow man, day by day teaching, healing, and feeding thousands. The Christ, the Anointed One, showed His love for His heavenly Father by dying for mankind. What greater love and obedience could Jesus have shown?
Now our Lord calls us to follow Him. Yes, that means denying oneself. It means carrying a cross, a responsibility to obey God and to serve others. Jesus did it because of His love for God and His love for us. That, too, is our duty. However, it is not an onus, but what we do because we love and worship a God Who gave His all for us.
Hymn: “I Gave My Life for Thee”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us not to grumble and complain when we are called on to help others. May we serve You and our neighbor with a joyful heart out of love for You and for them. In Jesus’s name. Amen.