I need to remind myself of this often.

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You can’t have it all. You are not there to do yourself a favor. You may not have it your way. You opted out of all that when you made up your mind to follow a Master who himself had relinquished all rights, all equality with the Father, and his own will as well. You are called not to be served but to serve, and you can’t serve two masters. You can’t operate in two opposing kingdoms. These kingdoms are the alternatives. Settle it once for all. It is, quite simply, a life and-death choice.

E. Elliot, On Asking God Why

Matthew 16:24: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

8 thoughts on “I need to remind myself of this often.”

  4. We listened to a sermon by John MacArthur that goes along nicely with this. We are actually slaves to Jesus Christ. Our modern translations don’t translate the Greek word for slave as slave because it’s too distasteful…instead it’s translated as servant.
    A slave was bought with a price.
    A slave relinquised all his rights.
    A slave was to be available to serve his master.
    A slave was to be obedient in all things to his master.
    A slave’s physical needs were met by his master.
    A slave had to have faith that his master would meet his needs.
    A slave was totally dependent upon his master.

    Think about how that parallel’s being a slave of Jesus Christ.

  5. Oh, but the benefits both here and in heaven FAR outweigh any worldly ‘sacrifices’!
    Have a peaceful day!
    Brenda

  7. True, Brenda — if we spent more time focusing on the benefits of serving the Lord rather than the pains of self-denial, how that would change our outlook!!

    Thanks, Grams! This post, though, was a quote from Elisabeth Elliot. I don’t want to take credit for her work. 😀

  8. Pingback: You Can’t Have it All : MInTheGap

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