Over the past several weeks I have been wrestling with the concept of what it truly means to live as a follower of Jesus. I find myself thinking that it does not look anything like the life of the average American-Labled-Christian. I’m afraid, at times, that it does not even look like the lives of my friends. And then I realize it does not look like my life either.
I truly believe that we have redefined the Christian life to be whatever is better than the average. If I am a Christian who “actually reads my Bible”, or if I am a Christian who attends church regularly, or if I am Christian who is in seminary, or reads spiritual books, or talks about faith, then somehow that is enough. It seems we take society, throw in a little Scripture, and call it the Christian life. It seems we should take Scripture, find the model of the Christian life, and live like we really believe in the Jesus who asks us to deny ourselves and take up our cross.
I do not believe denying ourselves means filling our free time with whatever is convenient. I do not believe taking up our cross includes countless hours in front of a television screen. I believe it is a hard, challenging, daily decision. And I believe it is worth it.
Entrusted With 
Good afternoon. You observations are right on concerning this. The whole of taking up our cross and following Jesus is largely lost in this age; at least in the west. And yet I know of a few saints, in diverse venues, who are actively considering what it means to straightway forsake our nets. The separation is underway and sadly, those who love their lives in this world are in danger of shipwreck in the hour of temptation. May we keep our hearts with all diligence.
Thanks for addressing this issue. Blessings always in Jesus name.
timbob