By Pastor Dave
Matthew 10:38 (NAS) And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Salvation is a free gift. Jesus paid for all our sins. However, when we are truly saved, we should have a change of heart which should show in our lifestyle. The above scripture tells us that to be a disciple (someone who belongs to another, a person who follows someone and tries to become like them) you must take up your cross. What does it mean to take up your cross? The cross was an instrument of punishment and unbearable pain, suffering and shame. People did not willingly go to the cross. But Jesus wants us to take up our cross and do so willingly. Why? Because that is what He did. Jesus gave Himself and willingly went to the cross to purchase your redemption, our salvation.
What does it mean to us to take up our cross? We are to be willing to give up our rights, our desires, our life to give it all to Jesus and to live for Him. To be a disciple means we live for our master and not for ourselves. It means we allow the Holy Spirit to crucify the sin in our lives and to develop the spiritual man or woman in our lives. Too many people who say they are Christians live for themselves and not for God. Jesus makes it clear, to follow Him and to be a disciple means we are to deal with sin and selfishness in our lives and live for Him and not ourselves.
The cross is uncomfortable and painful, but that is where Jesus wants His disciples to willingly go. Will you go to your cross and be a disciple of Christ or will you avoid it and live for yourself? Jesus will not force the cross on you. He asks you to willingly take it up. Luke 14:27 (NAS) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Do you want to be a disciple of Christ? Do you want to be like Him? Do want to do what Jesus did? Will you take up your cross and follow Him?