Take Up Your Cross

Posted on by Amie Posted in EncouragementTagged ,

When you say, “I am a Christian,” and you live in a way that shows that, you will make people uncomfortable.  In fact, Jesus promises that following Him won’t be an easy choice.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Matthew 7:13)

Have you ever been on a mountain?  And did you see a small winding path that barely was even a path?  That is like our Christian walk.  Often we can see the wide path.  It’s paved, and it looks so much easier than our small, rocky path.  We are called to stay on our path if we do not want to go to destruction.

Jesus doesn’t tell us to pick up our picnic basket.  We aren’t going to have fun on this perilous journey.  Jesus says,

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. (Luke 9:23)

We’re to take up our cross daily, and to follow Him.  Not once a week when it’s convenient on Sunday, not once a mouth when it’s communion, not twice a year on Easter and Christmas Eve.  Every single day, we should take up our crosses.

Yes, I’m preaching to myself as much to you.  I fail this concept so badly.  I often don’t want to wash the dishes, or get up from my writing to help my younger sister.  I want to serve myself, and then serve others when it is helpful to me.

Not only do we have to battle ourselves, but we have to battle the world.  To my family, modesty and femininity are very important.  We were at the pool (you can find a post about our swimsuits here) and some other people were there as well.  Suddenly, one lady called her two sons, and up and left.  She told one of the other ladies that our swimsuits “offended her,” and that she had two sons to think about.

We aren’t going to be loved by everyone.  We aren’t supposed to.  God calls us each to our own walk with Him, and He promises that we will be reviled and persecuted.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)

We are to expect this.  But our lives shouldn’t be full of painful expectation.  We should be joyfully moving through life.  God gives us peace and joy even though we go through trials of various kinds.  (James 1) We should look forward to the prize that is ahead, instead of the persecution and trials we face now.  Press ever onward and upward!

~~Amie~~

30 thoughts on “Take Up Your Cross”

  1. Reply
    Hannah says:

    This is so true Amie! I’m so sorry about your pool experience, I’ve certainly had a few strange “looks” (and a few questions) from other kids my age, while at the pool/beach. XD

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Reply
    Aria Lisette says:

    Thank you so much for this, Amie! You are absolutely right! I find I struggle with self-centeredness, and often don’t want to serve others. It’s hard. Also oh my word, seriously? That lady said she had her sons to think about? Good night, she should be more worried about bikinis! *shakes head* I’ve had to battle the world as well. One year in choir, my music teacher had us sing a piece from Hamilton, and I chose not to participate, since I really do not think the show is good. It was hard for me because I love singing, I probably could have had a solo spot, and, because my music teacher tried to convince me it was fine. But I felt convicted about it and dropped out of the piece. That’s only a little example. We’re going to face battling with the world our whole lives. Let’s take up the Sword of the Spirit, Amie!

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Reply
    Rosy Marr says:

    Wow, awesome post. Those are things we all need to remember, even though it s hard. Whoah, seriously? That is crazy! Yes, we have had some strange looks at a pool too before. We have also been told leave the pool because of our swimsuits… It’s so sad, what the world has become. That’s why we, as Christians, need to let our light shine, and be good ambassadors for Christ! Even if the world is against us. Thanks for the encouragement, Amie. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Reply
    Grace H. says:

    So true! It seems like so many people get super frustrated with God because things are so hard, but that’s what he promised. He promised the road would be hard, but that He would be with us and give us the strength. And then some Christians also seem to be so confused when people are rude to the on account of their faith — “I can’t believe they would do that! Why are people so against Christianity these days???” — but that’s because the devil is striving his hardest to come against the church. He’s not worried about those who believe in false religion. He hates Christ and the gospel. So he’s going to try to turn hearts away from Christianity.
    Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

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