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Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.–Matthew 16:24
Starting a journey of faith can feel big and confusing. You may ask, “How do I get closer to God? How do I grow spiritually?”
The answer is not found in our own strength.
Faith is found by following the path Jesus laid out for us. Marshall’s The Christian Handbook of Survival is a biblical guide to spiritual growth through learning what it means to live in the footsteps of Christ.
What It Means to Walk in the Footsteps of the Faith
Walking in the footsteps of Christ is more than just saying we believe in Him. It is about making a choice every day to live as He lived. Jesus walked on earth as an example for us, showing us how to love, serve, and obey God in every aspect of life. It means trying to love who He loved, serve how He served as a servant, and obey God the Father as He obeyed. This is not a walk we do alone. It is a walk we do with Him, letting Him lead the way.
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Silas Marshall writes that this journey is about action. There are intentional steps involved in following Christ, each one drawing us closer to Him. This means we are not just waiting for change to happen. We are actively working with God to become more like Jesus. There is much to be learned from walking in His footsteps, as each step reveals more of His character and purpose. We leave our old, selfish ways behind and put on the new person God is making us, marking the beginning of our transformation in Christ.
In leaving our old life, we follow Christ’s example, as He suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps. What is left behind is the old self, and we are left as new creations, ready to walk as His servants.
Denying Yourself
The very first step in walking in Jesus’ footsteps is often the hardest. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says we must first “deny himself.” What does this mean? It means saying “no” to our own wants and “yes” to God’s will. Our culture tells us to put ourselves first.
But Jesus shows us a better way—the way of putting God and others first.
Denying oneself is a test of faith and commitment, challenging us to trust God above our own desires.
Denying yourself is not about hating who you are. It is about stopping your selfish desires from controlling your life and choosing to be kind when you want to be angry. It’s the choice to forgive when you want to hold a grudge. It is choosing to be humble when you want to boast or be proud.
The reason self-denial is foundational to following Christ is that it shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s purpose, allowing us to grow spiritually. When we deny ourselves, we make room for God to work in us.
Taking Up Your Cross Daily
After denying ourselves, Jesus tells us to “take up his cross.” In Jesus’ time, the cross was a symbol of suffering and death. Jesus suffered for us, setting an example of enduring hardship for the sake of others. For us, it means accepting the hard things that can come from following Jesus. This could be facing laughter from friends, giving up a bad habit, or standing up for what is right when it is not popular.
Taking up your cross is not a one-time event. Jesus says we must do it “daily.” Every morning, we make a new choice to follow Him, no matter what the day may bring.
As a living sacrifice, based on Romans 12:1-2, we offer our bodies to God as an act of worship and sanctification, committing ourselves to holiness and the renewal of our minds. This daily walk is how we grow.
Finding Strength for the Journey
Trying to live this way can feel tiring. You might feel like you are failing. The good news is that we do not walk in our own power. God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us. In John 14:26, God promised to send the Holy Spirit as a helper and guide. The Spirit gives us strength, guidance, and comfort when the path gets hard. God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and empower us on our journey.
Silas Marshall reminds us that we are not alone. Each moment in our journey is significant, as God works within us continuously. When you feel weak, pray. Ask God for the strength to take the next step. Rely on His power, not your own. God has brought us strength and support through His Spirit. This is a key part of walking in the footsteps of Christ.
A Life Transformed
When we make a habit of denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Jesus, something beautiful happens. We start to change. The things that used to be important to us become less important. We start to find more joy in serving than in being served. We become more patient, more loving, and more at peace. The eyes of others are drawn to the change in us, as they see the difference Christ has made. This is the goal of spiritual growth—to look more like Jesus every day. Reading, meditating on, and applying God’s Word is essential for this transformation, as it deepens our faith, renews our hearts, and aligns our lives with God’s principles.
This transformed life is a powerful witness to the world. Our new vision allows us to see others as Christ does, with compassion and understanding. It shows others the love and truth of Christ without us having to say a word. Living in the footsteps of Christ is the best way to show others who He is.
Unlike those in the Bible who betrayed Jesus, such as Judas Iscariot, we are called to remain faithful, showing loyalty and integrity in our walk with Christ. The end goal of this journey is to glorify God and be united with Him forever.
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I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.–Galatians 2:20
Now, we live under a new order in Christ, guided by His Spirit and truth.
This new life is a gift from God, freely given through His grace.
The path of following Jesus is the greatest adventure you will ever begin. It is a journey of purpose, peace, and growing closer to God. If you want to learn more about how to live this out every day, we encourage you to dive deeper.
Ready to take the next step? Get your copy of Silas Marshall’s The Christian Handbook of Survival and continue your journey in the footsteps of Christ.
