In Luke we find Jesus giving the disciples instruction. Luke 9:23, "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Examing this, is there anything more powerful then denying yourself daily? Can you imagine telling yourself that you can't do this or do that? Sinning is so easy to do and in 1 Peter 2:1, Peter tells us of sin not to commit. 1 Peter 2:1, "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." I believe it's always easier to commit sins then it is to not commit them. For instance, the first time I left my wife on a military deployment, I learned a new saying I hadn't heard before. Someone was sinning and said, "What goes TDY stays TDY". In other words, I will do as I want away from home and no one will know the wiser, but as soon as I get home I will act "normal".



So what is your normal exactly? Jesus tells us a story in Matthew chapter 26 verses 31-35 and verses 69-75. In verse 34 Jesus tells Peter he will disown him, "'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.'" Following that in verse 35 Peter responds, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." I believe there are two types of Christian. There is the Christian who "acts" and the Christian who "be's". The Christian who acts like a Christian is the one who just shows up to church to be seen. The Christian who "be's" a Christian is the one who is being a Christian 24/7. The one being a Christian is the one who denies themselves everyday. The one being a Christian is the one who fights sin every day win or lose. In verse 74 it is realized that what Jesus spoke of to Peter in verse 34 came true. After Peter has already disowned Jesus twice we continue in verse 74, "Then he began to call down curses on himself and swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed." Soon following Peter realized what had happened and wept. It's amazing to see how easy it is to fall or to stumble.



What can prevent us from stumbling? Well the first way that we can prevent ourselves from stumbling is to deny ourselves daily of the sinful nature. The second way is from a song we sing, "All to Jesus I surrender". Do we surrender all to Jesus? Acts opens the door for us on this subject as well. Acts 1:14, "They all joined together constantly in prayer". In Acts 2:46, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." What kind of Christian are you going to be? The one who acts? Or, maybe the one who be's? Are you going to deny Jesus? Maybe you will forget all that Christ has done for you in your life with all the blessings you have? Then again, you could follow Christ in all ways, you could proclaim him until he comes. I think personally you will be devoted to God daily, walking in the truth, setting the example. Ultimately being the be's of the hive.



I hope this finds you enjoying the life that Christ has provided and with the health that allows us to meet again soon.