Wisdom is God's invitation to live well in His world. This summer, we are examining Proverbs that, when applied to our lives, inform how we live, not just what we know. 

Wisdom is God's invitation to live well in His world. This summer, we are examining Proverbs that, when applied to our lives, inform how we live, not just what we know. 

Wisdom is God's invitation to live well in His world. This summer, we are examining Proverbs that, when applied to our lives, inform how we live, not just what we know. 

Wisdom is God's invitation to live well in His world. This summer, we are examining Proverbs that, when applied to our lives, inform how we live, not just what we know. 

While we are called to love others, the love between believers is the best witness and testimony to the world. In John 13, Jesus says, "Love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." This love was modeled by Jesus, is unconditional, and can be tangibly seen by the world. 

Idolatry is one of the primary things that hold the American Church back from following Jesus. The rich young ruler is told to sell everything because wealth was his idol, and he ultimately could not relinquish it. Following Jesus isn't about discarding things we own, but breaking free of the things that own us. To be a disciple, no earthly possession, status, or comfort can come before our relationship with Christ. 

Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. But what is the cost of following Jesus? We see three instances where someone wants to follow Jesus, but instead decides that their earthly obligations outweigh their eternal ones. To be a disciple, no human relationship or responsibility can come before our relationship with Christ. 

Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. But what does that mean? Before Calvary, the cross was merely an instrument of death, but it is now where Jesus offers newness of life. We too must daily die to our sin because the cross is not given; it is a choice to bear. 

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves. Being a disciple means that you are no longer the chief controller of your life, but Christ, who lives in you.