Crossless Followers

Something is missing.

“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.~ Lk. 9:23 (cp. Matt. 16:24; Mk. 8:34)

“Then Jesus…said unto him, One thing thou lackest…take up the cross, and follow Me.”~Mk. 10:21

I have observed in recent years many profess to be followers of Christ, but it seems to me, there’s something missing in the modern-day Christian’s life. A CROSS!

From Christianity’s inception the Cross was an intricate part of every follower of Christ. Jesus did not promise His people, “flowery beds of ease,” as the song says. He told them the cost in following Him! 

In those early days of the Church whenever you saw a person bearing a cross you knew they were not headed for a party. The Cross had only one meaning, suffering and death to the bearer.

Jesus in our text gives us seven interesting truths about bearing a cross. 

1. He said to any and all—no one is excluded. You can excuse yourself, but to your own detriment.

2. Come after—not before Him or even beside Him.

3. Deny self—not existence, but all personal rights.

4. Take up cross—it’s a choice. If you can pick it up, then you can put it down; and walk with Him no more.

5. His (meaning the individual) cross—Your own particular cross. Not His (Christ’s), but your own special cross, made for just you in mind. Each has his or her own cross to carry!

6. Daily—not a one-time thing. When you rise each morning, it is next to your bed.

7. Follow—no longer the leader, you become a follower.

Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I’ve sought or hoped or known.
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.

by an Aged Saint

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