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Cross

Michael Touchton
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

Following Jesus requires that we come to the end of ourselves.

Well, that’s probably not the best way to say it. It’s not that it requires it, rather it is it.

Following Jesus is the coming to the end of ourselves.

This is why it’s difficult.

It’s not difficult in that following Jesus is about adhering to impossible moral laws. It’s not about trying really hard at all — not in the sense that we usually think about effort or religious devotion.

It’s difficult in that it’s counterintuitive.

Naturally, we want to survive. We know sometimes it’s just survival, but surely it’s better than death…

It’s difficult to come to the end of yourself — the end of your strength, the end of your understanding, the end of your will, the end of you.

The path to this is painful and doesn’t always come all at once.

In fact, it could be argued that life is a long series of opportunities to come to the end of yourself.

As I wrote about before, I don’t care much for a focus on principles, but if there’s one principle that’s clear it’s that life, intimacy with God, and transformation, come after we surrender and not before.

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Crosses are heavy. We have to let go of whatever we’re holding in order to pick it up.


Hi, I’m Michael and this is my daily project where I write about diverse ideas.

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A Daily Dose

A Daily Project Where I Write About Diverse Ideas

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Michael Touchton

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From a crowded island in the middle of a river, I write about life, faith, and anything else. Follow along: https://medium.com/a-daily-dose

A Daily Dose

A Daily Project Where I Write About Diverse Ideas

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