A Genuine Disciple

 A true disciple is one that denies self and lives for Christ, rather than ignoring the commands of the Lord Jesus by living for themselves. A real disciple is one that abides in Christ, takes up his cross and follows Him, rather than ignoring the way of the Cross and following the way of the world.
 A Genuine Disciple is a man or woman who will forsake the things of this world by losing their life and dying to self, rather than seeking after the things of this world:  Every disciple is a believer but not all believers choose to take the route of discipleship, by way of the Cross.
 Though this passage is often incorrectly applied to the unbeliever, the Lord Jesus was speaking to his disciples and pointing out the two ways that a believer can follow:
1. The carnal way, which is the way of the world where a believer lives for themselves, not understanding that the life we live on earth will dictate our future role in heaven.
2. The spiritual way, which is the way of Christ, understanding that the world is not our home, and only things done in the Spirit will last for eternity.
 If our life-work is carried out in the flesh, it will be burned up, which means that the life that we lived for ourselves will be lost. If we build up rewards on earth instead of securing treasures in heaven and if we delight in the praises of men rather than that of the Lord, we will have nothing to show for the life that we lived.
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Our United Prayer:
Dear Lord, there is nothing in this world that we can accumulate to exchange for our own souls. The price is too high for us to pay. But Lord, You paid the price for our souls with Your shed blood upon the Cross. The free gift of the salvation of our souls cost You so dearly. Help us to understand how precious we are to You. Help us to live lives that are pleasing to You,  lives that seek Your will not ours. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.