Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matt. 16:24

There has been an ongoing debate for several centuries now about salvation. Some say God has elected those to be saved and others say a person under conviction makes the decision for salvation. Ammunition verses are available in the New Testament for either position. One of the favorites is, "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Years ago a fellow asked, "Why did God create man?" The comics say because God needed humor in His life. Others contend that God created man because God could not create a being that would love Him of their own free choice. Man was therefore created in God’s image, given freewill which of course means the ability to choose to love.

Taking of the cross is a choice, following is likewise a choice. Loving is a choice. Doing nothing is a choice.

Books and movies tell stories of guys and girls in love but unwilling to declare their love. They spend their entire lives loving a person from afar, afraid to declare themselves. Those stories are sad and tragic just like the lives of so many who try to follow Jesus from afar.

We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them. Kahlil Gibran: