Today’s Encouragement is, “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23 NLT
Take up your cross –
“I don’t like it! I don’t want to! It sounds too painful! I want a nice, quiet, comfortable life! Why would You say such a thing, Jesus? Do You want to run off people who could become Your followers?”
Interestingly, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all quote this same statement. Think it might be important?
Notice that He doesn’t say, “Take up My Cross.” Jesus paid the price we could not pay… we aren’t expected to do what He did and offer ourselves for all of humanity! Only Jesus could do that! So, this “cross” that you and I must take up to be His followers must be different than His. It’s ours.
It ‘looks different’ for each of us… we each have a cross to take up and our way, our will, to give up.
Remember that the cross we bear is not the same as Jesus’. It is far less intense, but it is still a very immense and personal struggle.
But my friend… to become His followers… surely there is no price too high!
Lord God, we are selfish creatures, always seeking the easiest way. Help us lay down our way, take up our cross, and become faithful followers of Jesus, our Lord.
Take My Life
Jeremy Camp
(Or, for a gentler approach)
Take my Life and Let it Be
Reawaken Hymns
Today’s Encouragement 