What must I do to follow One who was crucified? Take up the Cross. What does that mean?
The “Cross” is every single thing, large or small, important in my eyes or trivial, in which the will of God cuts across my will—or my hopes, my preferences, my temperament, my tastes, my harmless whims. Each occasion offers me a choice. Will I go with Him (which means accepting the Cross) or will I accept the invitation of the enemies of Jesus: Come down from the Cross?
My choice reveals who I am: His faithful followers if I say yes to the chance to die, His enemy if I say no. I may save my life by voluntarily losing it, or I may lose it by insisting on saving it.
“Do you want to be My disciple?”
“Yes, Lord—with all my heart. Please help me not to miss the chances today brings to take up my Cross for Your sake:”
** Excerpt originally published in Guided by God’s Promises p. 197