Jesus talked a lot about losing, taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and laying down our lives.
These are the fruits of brokenness before God.
It’s not hard to spot a Christian in ministry who isn’t broken. Unbroken people don’t know how to lay their lives down and lose. They only know how to try to win.
If they’re criticized, they retaliate.
If they’re attacked, they return fire. If misunderstood, they defend in anger.
They are capable of doing all sorts of damage to others in order to save their own ministries and keep their reputations.
On the contrary, people who have been broken by the hand of God know how to turn the other cheek. They know how to go the second mile. They know how to give their coats when asked for their shirts. They know how to speak well of those who misrepresent them. They know how to return good for evil.
They know how to lose.
And in so doing, they exhibit the Spirit of the Lamb and allow God to win.
In the words of E. Stanley Jones, “The God I find in Christ is a God who overcomes evil with good, hate by love, and the world by a cross.”
Again, it is through the wounding and the breaking we experience that the life of Christ can be released through us.
And that is where the secret of fruit bearing lies.
The above post is an excerpt from God’s Favorite Place on Earth.
Fighting Against God
I have been led here as I read and further listening to the February 28, 2013 post about brokenness, bearing our cross and it’s importance in ministry. This is the greatest breakthrough I’ve had since asking the Lord to make me a true and wholesome disciple….which could only be done by breaking me into pieces.
Is, that, Roses? I smell? The fragrance of Christ is all over this ministry. Thank you Frank. Thank you Jesus!!
Very convicting…I still need to learn to trust God when others misperceive, misunderstand, and misrepresent me. I struggle with others believing, listening, and saying bad things about me. Ugh!
Terrific!
There’s no need for us to defend ourselves…we have already been put to death (Romans 6). We have been rightly judged guilty and sentenced to death. Then forgiven, and raised to new life with Christ.
No need to justify ourselves and be prideful. We have been reconciled…already!
Thanks, Frank.
You again inspire and challenge. Thank you for your obeDIEnce to the Word!
Love it! Maybe, I’ll buy the book!
Teaching people to lose is not intuitive, but it is the way of Christ. Lose your life to gain it… it’s more than a mantra. It is practical advice in all areas of life. Lean into Christ and He will help you lose what matters little and gain what matters most.
Very timely Mr. Viola – my deepest thanks to you and He who dwells within us both.
Estimate the cost!
Oh yeah, it costs a lot to “really” follow the Master. Every single day!
Thanks Frank for this wake-up call .
Great Post Frank! We talked about this very thing yesterday in our house church meeting. Denying self and taking up our cross daily.
Frank, when I read this in your book, this particular passage made an impact on me … but not just because it is the words of Christ … but because of how you have expressed and lived this in your own life and ministry.
I know your message hasn’t gone unnoticed by your opponents but this is how you respond … in love … in Christ. You didn’t write about a mere theory … you wrote the deep things that you have lived out.
Dear Frank,
Thank you very much for the free e-books and messages which you have made available – it’s much appreciated. May Abba bless you.