Lose it all, to Gain it all: Will you take up your cross?

 

Mark 8:34-38 

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Taking up your cross daily to follow Jesus looks like for a Christian:

• Self-Denial: Christians are called to put aside personal desires and ambitions that conflict with God’s will, choosing obedience and service over self-centered pursuits.

• Sacrificial Living: Following Jesus often involves making sacrifices, whether it’s giving time, resources, or comfort to help others and live out the gospel.

• Courage in Faith: Taking up one’s cross means standing firm in faith despite opposition, rejection, or suffering, remaining faithful to Christ’s teachings.

• Eternal Perspective: Believers are reminded to value eternal life with God over worldly gains, understanding that true fulfillment is found in following Jesus.

For a Christian, taking up the cross daily means living intentionally with Christ at the center of every decision. This may involve forgiving those who wrong them, serving in their community, or sharing the gospel despite fear of rejection. It also means resisting the temptation to conform to societal norms that contradict biblical values. When challenges arise, Christians rely on God’s strength, knowing that their trials are an opportunity to grow in faith and reflect Christ’s love.

Additionally, taking up the cross calls believers to surrender control, trusting God with their future. They may choose to prioritize time in prayer, study Scripture for guidance, and seek fellowship with other believers for encouragement. Rather than chasing after worldly success, they live with the assurance that their ultimate reward is eternal life with Christ. In doing so, they demonstrate to others the transformative power of God’s grace and truth.