As you DIE temptations of the world lose their pull

Jesus said that anyone who would come after Him must "take up his cross daily and follow" (Luke 9:23).

But what does it mean to take up your cross? The cross has only one Biblical association: Death! The only time you would carry your cross was when you were about to die.

Yes, you are called to die. But the call is not to a physical death - that death will eventually come to you, and there's never a need to hasten its arrival. The call of Jesus is to a death of "self," the old sinful nature with its evil desires, dreams, and ambitions: "You have been crucified with Christ and you no longer live, but Christ lives in you. The life you live in your body, you live by faith in the Jesus the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20).

You are called to a death which leads to true contentment and peace. But this death is not a onetime event; you are called to die daily! And this death is never easy. Don't be surprised when every day seems to breathe life into your old nature - when you begin to talk, act, and think contrary to the way of Christ. When this occurs, simply praise God for the conviction of His Spirit, take up the cross once again, and continue to follow down His path.

As you "die" and completely surrender control to God, temptations of the world lose their pull and anxieties lose their source of concern. As you no longer live, you no longer focus on the cravings of your flesh or about what tomorrow may or may not bring. As Christ lives in you, the enemy loses ability to effectively attack – he is no longer attacking you but Christ...and the Lord always wins!

Your call is to become a follower of Jesus Christ and be transformed into His image. But to follow you must die! Become His worthy disciple as you love Him and trust Him with all your heart. Set aside all that is not directed by God and take up your cross.