WEEK 4 DAY 4
The Cross THROUGH Us
Devotional
Once the cross has worked for us in salvation and to us in transformation, it begins to work through us in mission. The cross becomes not just our theology but our methodology—the lens through which we see the world and the pattern that shapes how we engage with it.
Jesus didn't just die on a cross; He lived a cross-shaped life. His entire ministry embodied self-giving love. He consistently chose the path of humility, service, and sacrifice. He poured Himself out for others rather than using His power for personal advantage.
When the cross works through us, it reverses our natural tendencies. Instead of gathering, we give. Instead of consuming, we contribute. Instead of protecting ourselves, we extend ourselves for others. The inward flow of our natural self-interest gets redirected into an outward flow of self-giving love.
This cruciform way of living isn't just for special "spiritual giants"—it's the normal Christian life. It's how we're meant to engage in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches. It's how we're designed to handle conflict, approach leadership, and steward resources.
Today, look for one opportunity to let the cross work through you. Where can you choose the path of humble service rather than self-promotion? Where can you extend forgiveness rather than holding a grudge? Where can you give generously rather than gathering for yourself?
Bible Verse
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24
Reflection Question
In what relationship or situation is God calling you to embody the self-giving love of the cross today, and what might that practically look like?
Quote
Nearly everything he taught reverses the natural flow of our life. From an inward flow to an outward flow. From a flow of what we can get to a flow of what we can give.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not only saving me through the cross but also showing me how to live through its pattern. Forgive me for the ways I still operate according to the world's self-serving values. Help me today to be a channel of Your cruciform love—choosing to serve rather than be served, to give rather than gather, to extend myself for others rather than protect myself. Let Your cross work through me today. Amen.
Once the cross has worked for us in salvation and to us in transformation, it begins to work through us in mission. The cross becomes not just our theology but our methodology—the lens through which we see the world and the pattern that shapes how we engage with it.
Jesus didn't just die on a cross; He lived a cross-shaped life. His entire ministry embodied self-giving love. He consistently chose the path of humility, service, and sacrifice. He poured Himself out for others rather than using His power for personal advantage.
When the cross works through us, it reverses our natural tendencies. Instead of gathering, we give. Instead of consuming, we contribute. Instead of protecting ourselves, we extend ourselves for others. The inward flow of our natural self-interest gets redirected into an outward flow of self-giving love.
This cruciform way of living isn't just for special "spiritual giants"—it's the normal Christian life. It's how we're meant to engage in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches. It's how we're designed to handle conflict, approach leadership, and steward resources.
Today, look for one opportunity to let the cross work through you. Where can you choose the path of humble service rather than self-promotion? Where can you extend forgiveness rather than holding a grudge? Where can you give generously rather than gathering for yourself?
Bible Verse
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24
Reflection Question
In what relationship or situation is God calling you to embody the self-giving love of the cross today, and what might that practically look like?
Quote
Nearly everything he taught reverses the natural flow of our life. From an inward flow to an outward flow. From a flow of what we can get to a flow of what we can give.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not only saving me through the cross but also showing me how to live through its pattern. Forgive me for the ways I still operate according to the world's self-serving values. Help me today to be a channel of Your cruciform love—choosing to serve rather than be served, to give rather than gather, to extend myself for others rather than protect myself. Let Your cross work through me today. Amen.