Do you believe in the cross?
If you do truly believe, it is not a symbol but a way of life. The cross is not simply something one wears as jewelry or hangs on the wall of their home as an ornament. The cross is central in what a Christian is.
“and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Once we accept Jesus, and everything He asks and offers us, we have no choice but to accept the cross as well. “And whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
What does it mean to take up the cross?
As I sit here praying on this, I feel the meaning of surrender ends and begins at the cross. That means that sunshine or dark storm, rich or poor, health or sickness, we follow Jesus.
Many preachers I’ve heard lately preach a prosperity Gospel, all is good and God will bless you with great things. The problem with that Gospel is that it will someday storm. When that moment comes, those who believe this will find their foundation sandy and shifting. They won’t be able to reconcile that God is in the storm and dark of night, AND still giving great blessings. Just not what prosperity in the world lines up with.
We all will endure moments when the weight of the cross seems too much to bear. But, it’s in these times that God is growing us and strengthening us. It is in these moments that we truly find surrender in imitating Christ. Jesus gave His life, it was not taken. Jesus spoke to Pilate, “Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above”” John 19:11. And, like Jesus, when we surrender to the cross, the power comes from above.
I always thought the cross was a lot to bear, and at times, too much. Then, one day Jesus showed me that when the cross is across my shoulders, He is on the other side of the beam carrying most of the weight. And, when the cross is unbearable, I saw Him carrying it for me – with me on it. He and all the weight of my cross and me upon His shoulders.
Jesus asks us every day to take up our cross. All will face a day when the cross stands tall before us. What we do in those moments is what the world sees and reacts to – it can become our legacy. When those living for prosperity see how this soul bears their cross, they take notice. The world will wonder how the soul beats the strain with a sense of joy. It will stick to their soul and draw them closer to Jesus.
Do you believe? Then, take up your cross.
“While the world changes, the cross stands firm.” — St. Bruno
“looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2-3
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