Jesus’ command - “Take up your cross and
follow Me” is much more than a symbol of
the difficulties, frustrations and pain we as humans
experience in this life. Taking up one’ s cross
and following Jesus is something completely different.
Because the cross was an instrument of death, Jesus is
referring to our commitment to Him, even unto death,
meaning that our obedience to the extreme measure
and willingness to die is a vital part of truly being His disciple.
Death on a cross was extremely painful and humiliating,
so as followers of Christ He expects us to likewise be
willing to endure pain or humiliation for Him —
no matter what the cost.
This word picture of 'taking up your cross'
paints for us the concept of “death to self”
which originates in another saying of Christ in Luke 9:24-25,
“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and
loses or forfeits himself?” The truth is that NOTHING
in this life is worth keeping if it means losing eternal life!
Not a job, family, friends, or even your own identity.
Discipleship at the core means DISCIPLINE —
No Matter What The Cost —
but the eternal reward is well worth the temporary pain.
Friend, taking up your cross to follow Christ simply means
commitment and obedience to living a disciplined life of obedience
to God even if it means giving up your worldly hopes, dreams,
possessions - or even your very life if need be.
Christian, are you willing to Take Up That Cross?
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