Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Mark 8:34 NRSV Bible)In a secular sense, our text today, as a slogan followed, would guarantee any person's success in the wonderful world of business or art or education or sports or whatever career you may choose. After all, what does it mean to deny yourself and take up a cross? We know what it does not mean. It does not mean in times of adversity saying in a whiny voice, "Well, I guess this is just my cross to bear." No, denying ourselves and taking up a cross has to do with discipline and hard work. It has to do with unselfishness and committing ourselves to the finest of which we are capable. It has to do with forgetting ourselves and concentrating on the needs of others. It has to do with a commitment to excellence in all things. In short, in these few words Jesus has summed up all the most helpful advice found in the self-help books. There's a sign in a dry cleaners that reads, "No matter how bad the stain is, we'll take it out... and sew up the hole!" How's that for excellence!? Actually, taking up the cross of Christ means that our lives may be stained or may have holes in them, but the cross will make us whole. However, we have to be willing to be faithful in carrying the cross everyday. Dear God, help me to being faithful in carrying the cross of Christ everyday. In Jesus Name, Amen. Ron Newhouse
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Thanks for the message.I am gulty of Not doing for others as I use to do.
In Jesus name I pray I may also carry the cross daily.
I definitely with you about carrying your cross, but I\'ve questioned it\'s meaning in the past. Jesus lightens our load and there comes a time when the cross of Jesus is no longer a burden (because you know others can likewise benefit.) Thus, I see the cross as whatever in life is bearing down on you (whether it be a disease, a handicap, or baggage from the unfruitful actions of others). Thus, I see the picking up our cross as, first, as our willingness to confess our cross. The picking it up as your willingness to search the scriptures, and the following of Jesus as your willingness to share your testimony with others (as lead by the Holy Spirit). Thus, this accomplishes the helping of yourself with the helping others.
Most do perceive it in this manner, but my husband is a recovering alcoholic and the principle that AA utitilizes can be used with \"every\" inperfection that weighs on us.
For example, \"religion\" is a thorn in my side (because of my mom\'s religion\'s criticisms on the others and the others criticims on hers).
Everyone is caught in a vicious cycle -- forgetting that Jesus said that you would know them by their fruits. He didn\'t say that you would know them by their denomination name or the denomination of which they belong.
Thus, I perceive myself to be picking up my religious cross along with my handicap by, first acknowledging what burdens me, then I\'m picking it up by searching the scriptures for explanation, and I\'m following Jesus by witnessing how Jesus has helped me with my burdens. (My cross gets really \"heavy\" at times, but I do have friends,a husband and a son that encourages me along. Plus, I have the Holy Spirit to comfort and lead me.)
Sorry about my failure to add a comment--three times. Duh! I guess I had a \"brain cramp\"!
About the religion thing, I do not profess \"religion\" as my leader. . .I am a Christ follower regardless of where I go to church. He is first and formost. My relionship is with Him, not a church/building. As far as carrying my cross. . .be it illness, depression, or whatever I am dealing with at that moment, I will bear it to the best of my ability, with joy and song in my heart, the fruit of the spirit! Live it!!! Amen to your comment. Thank you
Chris. . .we are all guilty. Lord fill us with humility. Reveal where we need work, and then use us to be servants in Your Name. Amen
thanks for sharing friend. my wife(troubled2) and i are baptist. we have missed some sundays but we are doing well other than that. keep ur head up. im here if u need anything.