In Christ Jesus!

“We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:6-7, Ephesians 6:12, Romans 6:4 NIV

We should crucify ourselves that is currently ruled by the flesh and sin, for “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) – “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8) We can do this by changing our desires from the flesh into the Spirit, then be baptized by the water to follow Jesus FULLY:

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:4, Galatians 5:25)

And we have to endure all circumstances if it is a matter of following Jesus; whatever the cost is, even though it is going to be hard, as Jesus warns us in Matthew 16:24-27:

Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Therefore, we ought to wear the amour of God at ALL times (see Ephesians 6:10-17) and do everything for the glory and the kingdom of God, “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)

Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Let’s also remember Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”