I don’t like this verse. I don’t want to think about taking up a cross. I’m not the only one. “Christians” are talking about their “best life now” and blessings and success and getting stuff, not giving up stuff and taking up crosses.
Mardi Gras is very popular. Lent, not so much.
Jesus has many lovers of his heavenly kingdom but few bearers of his cross. He has many seekers of comfort but few willing to face troubles and trial. He finds many companions at his table but few with him in fasting. Many desire to rejoice with him, but few are willing to undergo adversity for his sake. Many follow Jesus that they may eat of his bread, but few are willing to drink of the cup of his passion. Many are astonished at his miracles, but few follow after the shame of his cross. Many love Jesus so long as no troubles happen to them.
Watkins, James (2016-01-12). The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language (Kindle Locations 266-270). Worthy Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Maybe we need to give up on the term “Christian.” It’s come to be associated with status. We want to be King’s Kids and not followers. We want crowns without crosses. We expect blessings and mountain tops and think suffering and valleys belong to the unfaithful or back slidden.
But those who love Jesus for Jesus’ sake— and not for the comforts he gives to them— praise him in all suffering and sorrow just as they do in the greatest blessings. And if he should never give them another blessing, they would nevertheless continue to always praise him and give him thanks.
Watkins, James (2016-01-12). The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language (Kindle Locations 272-274). Worthy Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Isn’t it time we follow Jesus not just admire him? Shouldn’t we be loving Him for who he is and not just for all that He’s done? Is it too late to learn that the path to joy goes through selflessness not selfishness? Our cross is our cross, whether we like it or not.
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