Yesterday our the church’s bulletin there was a quote; “The first duty of love is to listen” – Paul Tillich. Then in the sermon, Pastor Charles said; “to follow, we must first listen”. God really had my attention, especially after last week on Transformation Tips Tuesday, Deborah talked about listening. If you missed that post, you can click here to read.

As I sit and ponder those words this morning, I think about what are my stumbling blocks that may hold me back from loving, listening, and following. Just before Jesus’s instruction in Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭NIV, Peter was arguing with Jesus about the prediction of His death. Jesus went as far in verse 23 to tell Peter he was a stumbling block.

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”‬‬

On this Mindset Monday, let’s be intentional with our Christian walk throughout the week. This picture is a reminder that we must daily take up our cross. The blocks we move today, may be the same blocks we move tomorrow. It is ok because it is the daily act of taking up our cross, listening, loving, and following our Jesus that expresses our love.