Vital Signs: Saturday, July 12, 2025

The Danger of Being Admired

“Christians are not so much in danger when they are persecuted as when they are admired.” - Charles Spurgeon

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” - Mark 8:34–35 ESV

“But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” - Romans 2:8 ESV

I love the words “deny themselves and take up their cross.” Taking up our cross is not symbolic comfort. It is a call to embrace the cost of following Jesus, even when it is dangerous, even when it hurts. It is a daily decision to put to death our need for approval, safety, and control.

Spurgeon was right. We are often more at risk when admired than when persecuted. We may slip into seeking glory rather than reflecting it. We prioritize self-preservation over surrender, admiration over obedience. But it does not have to stay that way.

Today is a new day to lay down our lives, to stop settling for a safe and self-focused faith, and to start living boldly as daring disciples. Let us deny ourselves, lift high the cross, and give all glory to the One who is worthy.