July 25

He Knows What’s Best

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-28

Song: “Footprints of Jesus”

Roger had a problem with his company, the small landscaping business he’d built up over the years. He had poured his life into it, and recently it had begun to grow. He soon discovered, though, that new employees can bring new problems.

When he hired Jason, Roger thought the young man would be a great crew supervisor. But it soon became obvious he was wrong. Jason used the freedom and authority of the position to . . . skip out on his job! He would leave his crew at a work site and then disappear for hours on end. In the end, Roger had to fire him because Jason was putting his own needs and interests ahead of the good of the company.

In our life with God, we can slip into Jason-like prioritizing. We receive the gospel with joy, and the freedom it gives us, but we may use that freedom simply to “do our own thing.” But, as the apostle Paul said: “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1, 2).

We may forget that the call of the gospel is a call to follow Jesus, to put Him first in our lives. Thankfully, when we do that, we discover that God knows exactly what is best for us.

Lord Jesus, You went to the cross that I might have abundant life in You. Speak to my heart in this moment, and show me the ways I have set aside my own cross, doing my own thing when I should have been doing Your thing. In Your name, amen.