What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? While the phrase is commonly understood to mean acceptance of some burdensome task, the command to take up the cross is much more than a symbol of the difficulties experienced by humanity. Any person, whether a follower of Jesus or not, will suffer frustration and pain in this life. Taking up ones cross and following Jesus is something completely different. The cross was an instrument of death. What Jesus is referring to is commitment to Him, even unto death—obedience to the extreme measure and willingness to die in pursuit of obedience. Death on a cross was not pleasant. It was painful and humiliating, cursed. The implication is that even if obedience is painful and humiliating, we should be willing to endure it for Christ. The call is tough, but the eternal reward is well worth the temporary pain. In some places in the world, actual death is a real possibility when a person becomes a Christian. In other places, the consequences are different. The cost may be exacted emotionally rather than physically. But the lesson is clear: although following Jesus doesnt necessarily mean actual death, we should be willing to go to death, or suffer anything RATHER THAN DENY HIM. Many times the temptation is more subtle. For most of us, there comes a point in our lives where we are faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this life—and which one we choose speaks volumes about our love for Him. Taking up our cross to follow Christ means, simply, commitment to the point of giving up our hopes, dreams, possessions, even our very life if need be. This is the attitude – the only acceptable attitude – of a true disciple (Luke 14:27). Jesus followers regard the reward as worth the price. Jesus set the example for us in His death, to give us the gift of life: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25).
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:00:01 +0000
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