Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Let me tell you something that’s not always easy to hear—but it is absolutely necessary to live:

Following Jesus is not about convenience. It’s about commitment. It’s not a one-time handshake—it’s a daily surrender.

Jesus didn’t say, “Pick up your comfort.” He said, “Pick up your cross.” You see, the cross was a symbol of sacrifice. A daily reminder that the way of Jesus is the way of self-denial… but not self-destruction.

It’s the way of purpose, not popularity. Of surrender, not selfishness. Of giving up our way so we can fully walk His way.

And here’s the Kingdom paradox: The more you try to hold on to your life—your control, your plans, your pride—the more it slips right through your fingers.

But when you lay it all down… When you say, “Lord, I’m all Yours,” that’s when you really start living.

So today, pick up your cross. Lose your life for Him—and watch how He saves it in ways you never dreamed possible.