📖 Daily Devotional for December 16, 2025:
A Call to Discipleship
📖 Scripture Reading (KJV):
“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.”
— Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
Devotional Message
Discipleship is not merely a declaration of faith; it is a daily decision to follow Christ with our whole lives. Jesus’ call to His disciples was clear and uncompromising. He did not invite them to comfort, convenience, or popularity. Instead, He invited them to surrender— to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
In today’s world, following Christ can easily be reduced to words, church attendance, or outward appearance. Yet true discipleship goes deeper. It touches our thoughts, reshapes our desires, and redirects our priorities. To deny ourselves means to place God’s will above our own plans. It means choosing obedience even when it is difficult and faithfulness even when no one is watching.
Taking up the cross is not about suffering for its own sake. It is about embracing a life that reflects Christ—loving when it is hard, forgiving when it hurts, and standing for truth when it is unpopular. The cross reminds us that following Jesus requires sacrifice, but it also leads to eternal life, peace, and true purpose.
Discipleship is a journey, not a moment. Each day, God calls us to walk closely with Him, to learn from His Word, and to become more like Christ in character and action. When we answer this call, we discover that what we surrender can never compare to what we gain in Him.
Reflection for Today
- Am I truly following Christ, or only admiring Him from a distance?
- What areas of my life is God asking me to surrender?
- How can I reflect Christ more clearly in my daily decisions?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me into a life of purpose through Jesus Christ. I confess that at times I desire my own way more than Your will. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You faithfully. Give me the strength to obey You, even when it is difficult, and the grace to reflect Christ in my words and actions. Teach me to walk in humility, love, and obedience all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.