Thursday, August 31, 2023

A life with Christ means renunciation. In the previous verses, we find words about renouncing family and personal interests to follow Christ. The teachings of the New Testament show very clearly that when one decides to follow Christ, he must renounce everything and obey only the Lord. One should serve only the Lord. Today, acts of renunciation are becoming increasingly more difficult. We are being consumed by the media and especially by the seeming lack of time. We feel we don’t have even a few minutes of our day to talk to God. Work, study, and countless tasks blind us to the spiritual world. When we read this verse it becomes clear how important and impactful the word “renounce” is. When we read “renounce everything,” are we willing to do so? Jesus left all His glory to die in our place. He renounced everything He could, and He also rejected the devil’s blackmail while He was fasting. He died the most painful death that anyone could have: death on a cross. May we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us so we might have life. What we must renounce is very small compared to the greatness and nobility of Christ’s sacrifice in our favor.

Haggai was an excellent experience because I was able to get a broader view of my ministry and the gifts that God has given me.