TAKING UP YOUR CROSS

To today's Christians, the cross has become a 'symbol' of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. 

But in Jesus' day, it represented a torturous death. A convicted criminal was forced to carry his cross to the place of crucifixion ... facing ridicule and disgrace along the way. 

At the hands of Roman soldiers, Christ was publicly executed that way ...  And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side and Jesus in the center. (John 19:17-18)

The Gospel hinges on that day in world history; the penalty for mankind's sin was born by the sinless Lamb of God. Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection made a way where there was no way. Salvation is now a gift we receive by faith. 

The Lord reveals what it means to be a true believer, yet many misinterpret the following passage ... Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)

Some believe that 'taking up your cross' is not a choice you make, but something that happens to you. When they testify that 'This is my cross to bear', they are actually saying with self-pitying pride ... 'I'm a victim of circumstance'. (poor health, a bad relationship, etc)

Legitimate challenges in life exist, but they are not 'crosses'.

It instead refers to the death of your 'old nature' ... taking up your cross means to abandon your will and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (meant to be a tireless pursuit) ... Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

The concept should never be cheapened by applying it to some irritation or difficulty in life that you endure. 

Taking up your cross is a willingness to suffer separation, ridicule, pain, or even martyrdom for the cause of Christ. The definition of true discipleship seems so radical that many believers have difficulty accepting it. 

Spurgeon does not mince words - There are no 'crown-wearers' in Heaven that were not 'cross-bearers' here below.

A Christian knows that he is a 'sojourner' in this world. He has willingly given up his current residency and status to have an intimate relationship with His Savior ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which 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)

'Taking up your cross' is a decision to make, not an annoyance to endure. It is so that your life can be hidden in Christ to the saving of your soul.