Snuggie Theology

“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” -Mark 8:35-

We are, by nature, comfort seekers, not cross bearers. We are the people of the La-Z-Boy, the country club, the day spa, and the Snuggie. Have you seen this product advertised? It’s a blanket with sleeves. At first I thought it was a ridiculous idea. But the more I saw the Snuggie, the more I wanted one. So, when my wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I was surprised by the words that came out of my mouth: “I want a Snuggie.” That’s a phrase you never plan on saying as a grown man. I was excited about a blanket with sleeves! When I got it, I put it on and thought, Wait a second, I already have one of these. This is just a bathrobe that you put on backwards.
Unfortunately, many churches have developed what I call Snuggie Theology. They try to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible. They promise health & wealth to all who follow Jesus. They promise you a luxury car and a beautiful home. But contrast the image of the Snuggie with the image of the cross. One represents ease, the other symbolizes pain. One promises comfort, the other calls for sacrifice.
Yet, people buy into this Snuggie Theology — until their finances run out, their family falls apart, or their health takes a turn for the worse. That’s when they start to question God, suspecting that He isn’t holding up His end of the deal. When they expected to put on a comfortable Snuggie, they are not going to be happy when they are told to take up a cross.
For the Christ follower, the slogan is “Die Daily,” and the symbol is the cross. The point is the ultimate surrender of yourself — your dreams, your accomplishments, your comfort. You see, when you’re dead, you’re no longer concerned with your life — instead, you are free to live for Christ.

DENYING TODAY
What are the implications of dying daily for you personally? Can you think of anything (or anyone) you’ve lost for the sake of following Christ? When have you denied yourself in a way that actually made you uncomfortable?