Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:38 NIV
Jesus tells me here that it is essential for me to take up my cross and follow him. If I do not, I am unworthy of him and, according to the next verse, will lose my life. But what is my cross? And how do I take it up?
The cross was an instrument of death. Jesus took up his cross on the way to his crucifixion and death. Am I expected to do the same thing? To die on a Roman cross? Galatians 2:20 gives Paul’s answer to this question: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Paul had died to self and was now living his life by faith in Christ. Is anything less expected from me? Taking up my cross and following Jesus means I no longer live this life for myself, seeking to satisfy my desires and goals. Instead, I live in a way that would please Christ, following his goals for my life.
