Taking up one's cross daily is a profound and challenging call to discipleship that Jesus extends to all who would follow Him. This concept is rooted in Jesus' own words found in the Gospels. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." This command is not just a call to endure suffering or hardship, but a comprehensive invitation to align one's entire life with the way of Christ.
To understand what it means to take up our cross daily, we must first comprehend the historical and spiritual significance of the cross. In the Roman Empire, the cross was an instrument of brutal execution, reserved for the most heinous criminals. For Jesus and His contemporaries, it symbolized shame, suffering, and death. When Jesus speaks of taking up our cross, He is inviting us to embrace a path that may include suffering, rejection, and self-denial for the sake of the Gospel.
Self-Denial and Surrender
At the heart of taking up our cross daily is the concept of self-denial. This does not mean the rejection of our identity or worth, but rather the surrender of our selfish desires and ambitions to God's will. In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus elaborates, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Self-denial involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's desires over our own. It is a daily practice of yielding our plans, dreams, and even our very lives to the sovereignty of God.
The Apostle Paul provides a vivid illustration of this in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Paul’s words emphasize the transformative power of identifying with Christ's death and resurrection. Our old self, with its sinful inclinations, is crucified with Christ, and we are raised to new life in Him. This new life is marked by a continual process of sanctification, where we grow in holiness and conformity to Christ.
Embracing Suffering and Trials
Taking up our cross also entails a willingness to endure suffering and trials for the sake of Christ. In Philippians 1:29, Paul writes, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." Suffering is not something we seek out, but it is an inevitable part of the Christian journey. Jesus Himself warned His disciples in John 15:20, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."
However, suffering for Christ is not without purpose. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Trials and suffering refine our faith, build perseverance, and draw us closer to God. They also provide opportunities for us to witness to the power of Christ in our lives.
Living Sacrificially
Another aspect of taking up our cross daily is living sacrificially. Romans 12:1-2 exhorts believers, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Living sacrificially means offering every part of our lives to God – our time, resources, talents, and relationships. It involves making choices that honor God, even when they are costly or counter-cultural.
Jesus modeled this sacrificial love in His earthly ministry. In John 13:34-35, He commands, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Loving others sacrificially often requires us to put their needs above our own, to forgive when we have been wronged, and to serve without seeking recognition or reward.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Taking up our cross daily is not something we can accomplish in our own strength. It requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our faith boldly and faithfully.
In Galatians 5:16-25, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. He urges believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are the characteristics that should mark our lives as we take up our cross daily. These qualities are cultivated as we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts and minds.
Community and Accountability
Finally, taking up our cross daily is not a solitary endeavor. It is meant to be lived out in the context of Christian community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Being part of a church community provides us with the support, encouragement, and accountability we need to persevere in our walk with Christ.
In community, we can share our struggles, pray for one another, and bear each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." When we walk alongside fellow believers, we are reminded that we are not alone in our journey. We can draw strength from each other's faith and witness the tangible expression of God's love through the body of Christ.
Practical Steps
While the call to take up our cross daily is profound, it can be helpful to consider some practical steps to integrate this call into our daily lives:
- Daily Prayer and Scripture Reading: Begin each day with prayer and time in God's Word. Ask God to reveal His will for you and to give you the strength to follow Him faithfully.
- Examine Your Heart: Regularly examine your heart and motives. Are there areas of your life where you are holding back from God? Confess any sins and ask for His help to surrender fully.
- Seek Opportunities to Serve: Look for ways to serve others in your community, church, and workplace. Acts of service and kindness reflect the love of Christ and help you live sacrificially.
- Embrace Suffering with Faith: When you face trials or suffering, lean into God's promises and trust that He is with you. Use these experiences to grow in faith and to witness to others.
- Stay Connected to Community: Stay engaged in your church community and build relationships with other believers. Share your journey with them and seek their support and accountability.
Taking up our cross daily is a lifelong journey of discipleship. It requires a daily commitment to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. As we deny ourselves, embrace suffering, live sacrificially, depend on the Holy Spirit, and walk in community, we will find the abundant life that Jesus promises. In this journey, we are not alone; we walk with the One who carried the ultimate cross for our salvation.
