Taking Up My Cross

 Matthew 16:24 has long been a favorite verse of mine. We are admonished to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and to follow Jesus. When I read that verse this morning, it was the taking up my cross that really challenged me. Taking up our cross means suffering and sacrifice. I can assure you that my flesh does not like either of those. 

Notice that Jesus did not command us to take up His cross. Nobody can take His cross. His cross brought redemption to a world of sinners. None of us could ever take His place. His substitutionary atonement is sufficient and a work uniquely exclusive to Him. That is not the cross we are called to pick up and carry. 

Our cross is different. It might look different to each one of us. The cross means suffering. My flesh wants the easy road with neither suffering nor sacrifice. If Jesus suffered and sacrificed, who am I to complain that some suffering and sacrifice might be required from me as well. I admit I am a spoiled American brat Christian at times. 

What does suffering and sacrifice look like? It might mean that I do not get to enjoy the financial security that I would like with a cushy stockpile put back for a rainy day. It might require that Brenda and I drive old cars because we are committed to not go into debt on another vehicle. It might mean that I do not get to enjoy the success that other ministers enjoy. It might mean that I have to work more than one job to help my kids get on their feet and established in their profession. It might mean that I labor in hard fields that do not bear abundant harvests. It might mean that I face criticism and persecution from time to time. It might mean that I never really get to enjoy retirement, but that I have to keep working for as long as I can. It might mean not ever really settling and planting deep roots if He chooses to uproot us and call us to serve Him elsewhere. It might mean battling ailments that keep me from being more productive. It might mean sleepless nights praying and going without food in fasting. It might mean ending up alone and forgotten in my twilight years like happens to so many preachers. It does not matter what the cost is. I must choose to take it up daily. 

My cross might look different than yours. Some may be required to suffer more than others. Job suffered more than most. Jeremiah suffered as a prophet and would be considered a dismal failure in ministry. John the Baptist was beheaded for speaking the truth. So was Paul. Most of the disciples died violently. So did Rachel Scott and Cassie Bernall as teenagers in the Columbine High School massacre. 

I have paid my dues. I have worked hard in ministry for over three decades and think to myself that I have earned the right to an easy ministry. I do not get to make that call. Jesus calls the shots. He makes the decisions. He determines the plan. As His follower, my response is to submit and yield to His leadership. Even if it means taking up my cross. I should not long for an easy ministry but an effective one. 

Here is the truth. No matter how much we suffer and sacrifice on this earth, it will all be worth it many times over when we step foot into eternity and see Jesus face to face. No price will be too much. No sacrifice too great. No amount of suffering so excruciating that it will not be worth it to be there with Him. 

I must confess, I often lose sight of that sometimes. I start thinking I am entitled to the American dream. The only thing I am entitled to is an eternity in hell without Jesus. I don't deserve anything, and I need to be reminded of that often. I need a refresher course on just how amazing His grace from time is. Taking up my cross is the least I can do for my King who placed His back on a cross for my salvation. Amen.