About Our Concepts of Jesus

Each of us wants a Christ fitted to his or her class or station. The "Jesus" some people have created and accepted condones hate and violence. Some people give priority to the luxuries and pleasures of life and put their "Jesus" last. Still others have a "Jesus" who allows them to cheat in their business transactions and yet go to church on Sunday and sing hymns and bend the knee to their conception of "Jesus."

To discover the true concept of Jesus we must listen to His own words: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross day after day, and follow me."

This is imperative and unmistakably clear. Christ is telling us that we must be ready, if need be, to give up every possession, every pleasure, even loved ones, for the sake of the work to which He calls us. We must not allow anything, or any person to come between us and Him. Nor must we draw back from any hardship.

For most of us, this is a price far too great. Yet we want to think we are Christians, and wish to be known as Christians. After all, it is the popular thing to be known as a Christian, and it gives us a comfortable feeling. And so we proceed to create for ourselves a less-demanding Christ--one that does not disturb our ease and comfort.

Perhaps each of us needs to do some rethinking about Christ and our Christianity--that is, if we truly wish to qualify as His disciples.

"If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross day after day, and follow me." Luke 9:23.