Jesus clarified the requirements of every believer. He simply said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). Sounds simple enough...until you begin to break it down.

In today's affluent society, most are not accustomed to denying themselves anything, even if they don't have the means to pay for it. Personal responsibility is at an all-time low. When tragedy strikes, we look for someone or something to blame. Certainly not my fault.

Jesus requires us to take up a cross. Well, that's easy enough...gold, silver, or platinum? But don't forget the cross is not jewelry to be worn; on the contrary, it is an instrument of death. Our death.

Have an addiction that you are struggling with? Perhaps you have concluded that God made you to live as a homosexual. God's fault there. And that alcohol or drug addiction, well, it's a disease. Not my fault there either.

So open the pages and take a look. Dare you. The hard truth for all is that the Bible, God's Word, is a mirror. You and I must see ourselves, in light of His Scriptures, as He sees us. But read on. The Bible contains all the power and tools you and I need to obey Jesus' command. So take up your cross and follow Him