Some thoughts on "Crucifying the Flesh"

What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples to crucify their flesh? From the start of Jesus' ministry, He told His followers to stop what they were doing, leave their home, deny their old ways, and follow Him whole-heartedly. He told the tax collector to stop gathering the taxes and follow Him; He told the man that wanted to bury his father to let the dead bury their own but for him to follow. These are just two examples of Jesus essentially telling them to pick up their cross and follow Him. Jesus repeats this same statement through the N.T., in Matthew 16:24, and Mark 8:34 for example. His message was to abstain from the lusts of the flesh, to choose life (Him) over death (sin). He walked out an example for all of us as He fasted and prayed, did not give in to the tempting of Satan, and was crucified on the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane He prayed that the Farther would "take this cup" from Him but proceeded, "not my will but Yours be done" (Matthew 26:39). Jesus did not want to suffer, He did not want to die, but He crucified His flesh (because He was both humanity and divinity) and fulfilled His purpose by carrying His cross. Jesus was telling us to not allow our fleshly desires to rule us and sway us, but to crucify (kill) those things inside us that draws us away from Him. Jesus came to tear the veil separating us from God, and wanted all of His disciples (including us) to know that the only thing that would separate us is our own sin. He made a way to the Father through Him, but we still have the choice to allow sin to separate us from God. I believe He was saying, "Carry your cross- lay down the self that separates you from me, and pursue your God given calling. Each step you take away from your own ambitions will draw you closer to me." I do not view it as Jesus telling us to let go of the "fun things" in life, but rather Him wanting us to find true joy in life by following closer to Him and going on adventures with Him. What if the disciples did not follow Jesus? Would they have seen the lame walk, the blind see, or the dead raised? Probably not. Would they have been able to receive the Holy Spirit by staying in Jerusalem for Pentecost, like Jesus instructed, if they told Jesus to take a hike upon telling them to leave all that they knew to follow Him? Certainly not. Sure being a fishermen for the rest of your life isn't all that bad right? It pays the bills, puts food on the table and fills your time, but is that all you want for your life? The disciples were probably happy where they were, but they knew deep down there was more for them. The natural skill was just the beginning, but Jesus took their ability to catch fish and expanded it to fulfill the purpose of the kingdom by being fishers of men. Jesus took His followers on adventures and He wants to do the same with us, if only we would let go of the things of this world and follow Him. Daniel talks about in the last days we will do adventurous exploits. Maybe I am just more inclined to jump in when I hear the word "adventure" but I do not want to miss the signs and wonders, and miracles because I did not want to pick up my cross- let go of what others might think, let go of what satisfies my wants and needs, and follow Jesus. I believe deep down we all want to go on an adventure, so what are you waiting for? Don't let the temporary flings that the world offers take you away from the everlasting glories that Jesus has and still is offering. Pick up your cross and follow the man that leads to kingdom adventures! Yes, I mean now!