Carry your cross daily.

I’ve heard people talk about a problem they have and say it’s a cross they have to bear, but is this what Jesus meant?

No, this isn’t what He meant—although it’s not necessarily wrong to refer to some problem we are having as a “cross” we must bear. In Jesus’ day, a cross was a symbol of suffering, and we all have trials and afflictions that may be very hard for us to bear—even with God’s help.

But Jesus meant something far deeper than this when He told His disciples to carry their cross. He said to them, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In Jesus’ day, a cross wasn’t just a symbol of pain and suffering; it was mainly a symbol of death. What Jesus was telling them is that they needed to put to death their own plans and desires, and then turn their lives over to Him and do His will every day.

You see, Jesus doesn’t simply call us to believe that He existed, or even to believe that He can save us. He calls on us to commit our whole lives to Him—to trust Him alone for our salvation, and then to follow Him as His disciples. He said, “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Is Christ the master of your life? Have you put to death your own plans and committed yourself to His will for your life? Don’t be satisfied with anything less, for there is no greater joy in life than following Christ every day.

THE GOSPEL TRUTH!

“Then He said…“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him DENY HIMSELF… TAKE UP his CROSS daily, and FOLLOW ME… For whoever is ASHAMED of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed…”

Lk. 9:23-26.

Every story of BACKSLIDDEN Christians is rooted in the issue of CROSS-BEARING. Why?

Because we often attempt to skip self-denial and cross-bearing either ignorantly or deliberately and attempt to say,  we are truly following Christ. Are you? What exactly does it entail to bear your own cross? started FOLLOWING JESUS. Of course, we can’t be more than part of the crowd around Him that way. Notably, we can’t be BETTER or WALK with GOD than how much we abstain from ALL EVILS daily. Are you pictured by this in any way?

“Bearing your own cross” means to willingly accept and endure the challenges, sacrifices, and difficulties that come with following a certain path, particularly in a religious context, often signifying a commitment to putting aside personal desires and priorities to follow a higher purpose, even if it means facing hardship or discomfort, much like Jesus did when he carried his cross to the crucifixion; essentially, it’s about embracing the difficult aspects of life while staying true to your beliefs and values. 

Key points about “bearing your cross”:

• Symbolism:The cross represents sacrifice, death, and ultimately, redemption, so “bearing your cross” symbolizes the willingness to give up something of yourself for a greater good. 
• Biblical reference:This phrase comes directly from the Bible, where Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”. 
• Not just about suffering:While it can involve hardship, “bearing your cross” isn’t just about enduring pain, but also about actively choosing to follow a righteous path even when it’s challenging. 

Examples of “bearing your cross” in daily life could include:

• Choosing to forgive someone who has wronged you even when it’s difficult. 
• Standing up for your beliefs even if it means facing opposition from others. 
• Putting the needs of your family or community before your own personal desires. 
• Accepting limitations or challenges related to your health or circumstances. 

JESUS modeled it: He endured the PAINFUL COST therein but was never ASHAMED hence He warned us against undue SHAME… are you? If yes, correct your VALUATION as due!

Dear reader, eternal relevance is determined by how much we DENIED our ‘SELF’ daily by saying NO to SINS no matter the costs… yes, you can do it through CHRIST, trust Him!

Blessings!🙌🙏🔥