If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  – Matthew 16:24

When Peter denied Christ, he disassociated himself from Him. He was separated from Jesus, sitting with the guards and warming himself by the fire, trying to blend in with others. Three times, Peter would not acknowledge that he even knew the Lord. When Jesus said to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him, that means, as a believer, you identify with Him. You join with Him and His people. You are not to blend in with the world. You are in the world but not of it (John 17:14-18).

How do you identify with Jesus? He prayed. He taught about the Kingdom of God. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He lived a life free from sin. He said He did only what the Father bid Him. When believers identify with Christ, they care about the things He cares about. People! The lost, the dying, the hurting, the poor.

Jesus poured Himself into His disciples, offering what He had, training them to do the work of ministry. He poured Himself into humanity by offering Himself on the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him three times, and gave Peter his repeated call to ministry (John 21:15-19). Peter later wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

Identifying with Christ means using your gifts, talents, and resources to help other people as the Lord leads. As Jesus interceded for Peter, and Paul interceded for the churches he planted, intercede for the people God has placed in your path. Pray for the United States and ask for God’s perfect will to be done in the nation, its citizens and governing officials, and in all of its issues.