I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Madonna, the Kardashians and David Bowie are just a few of the cross-wearing celebrities known the world over.  But the cross is more, excruciatingly more, than a fashion statement.  The cross depicts crucifixion and Jesus calls those who follow Him to be crucified with Him, and to take up our cross daily. (Galatians 2:20)

What does that mean and how do we do it? It’s simple but not easy.  Bearing our cross means putting our personal agendas to death just as Jesus did. (Philippians 2:8) To take up our cross means that we choose to renew our obedience to God’s agenda every day.

Christ on the cross brought deliverance from the condemnation of our sin, but our willingness to allow ourselves to be there with Him brings deliverance from the power of sin. We don’t need to be afraid of bearing our crosses.  Bearing our crosses need not be a source of fear. Your cross is your connection with the will of God. He provides grace and strength to us to surrender to His will.

What is God’s will? Most simply, it’s to love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as you love yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Scripture, fellowship with other disciples, and the presence of the Holy Spirit guide us in the lifelong practice of loving God and loving others.

As we grow in obedience, our agendas will align with God’s more and more. Each day let’s reset—and check on any ways in which we’re not loving God or others.

 

Resource reading: Hebrews 13:1-14