A Better WaySample

Unwavering Obedience

We’ve talked a lot about the better way Jesus promises, but underneath all of it is a willingness to give up our own way to follow His. In other words—obedience.

Jesus lays it out clearly when He says: 

… “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NLT 

To follow in the way of Jesus is to surrender our plans for His purpose. And His purpose is always so much bigger than our perspective. 

In fact, right before He made that statement about giving up our own way, Peter was criticizing Jesus for predicting His death. But Jesus’ response was: 

… “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23 NLT 

We may think we know what’s best, but we only know a small part of the story. So, what if the greatest enemy of the life you’re wanting is the life you’re living? What if holding on to your life is keeping you from really enjoying it? 

Scripture reminds us that there’s a way that appears right to us, but it leads to death in the end (Proverbs 14:12). 

Thankfully, Jesus came to offer us a better way. And this better way leads to life. 

But the way of Jesus involves surrendering to Jesus. 

That obedience won’t always be easy. Even Jesus had to obey His Father to the point of death on a cross. He asked for a way out. He agonized over it in prayer before His arrest. Yet He still surrendered His wants for God’s will, leading to salvation for all who accept Him. 

So, as you look at your life, how are you doing at following the way of Jesus? Are you trying to work for Jesus, or are you experiencing the work of Jesus in you? 

It’s time to let go of our own way in favor of His, knowing that the moment we do, we will truly experience a better way. 

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. Psalm 84:10 NLT 

Pray: God, thank You for giving us a better way through Jesus. Help me fully surrender my own way in favor of Yours, knowing that it is far better than what I could ever imagine. Guide me as I seek to be obedient to You, and show me how to live like You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Practice: Spend time asking God if there are ways in which you can obey Him more fully. Then go do it!