Sun Sep 15 15:49:40 UTC 2024: ## Following Jesus: More Than Just Belief, It Requires Action
**Fresno, CA (September 15, 2024)** – A recent devotional post on the online forum Free Republic delves into the meaning of true discipleship, urging readers to go beyond simply believing in Jesus and embrace a life of self-denial and sacrifice.
The author, drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Mark, highlights that salvation requires more than just acknowledging Jesus as God and Savior. “Even the demons believe this truth,” the post states. Instead, true discipleship necessitates a commitment to “deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him.”
The author uses the example of Saint John of the Cross, who advocated for choosing the difficult path, embracing discomfort, and rejecting self-indulgence. This, the post argues, is the road to true spiritual fulfillment and the salvation of our souls.
The devotional encourages readers to introspectively consider their priorities: “Do you spend most of your day thinking about how you can better serve God and His holy will? Or do you spend most of your day thinking about yourself?”
The author urges readers to embrace a selfless life, inspired by Jesus’ own example of sacrificial love. The post concludes with a prayer for liberation from selfishness and a plea to embrace the “glorious and transforming Cross of Christ.”
The devotional post serves as a reminder that following Jesus is not a passive endeavor, but an active and demanding commitment that requires a daily dedication to self-denial, service, and the pursuit of God’s will.
First Piper 