Cross-bearing is not easy. It is not fun. When a person was sentenced to crucifixion in Jesus’ day, bearing their cross to the place of execution was a public admission of guilt. Cross-bearing is humbling.
In His teachings, Jesus said that people who desired to be His disciple must “take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). What we need to understand about this teaching is Jesus is referencing that cross-bearing is deliberate. It is not given to you; you must take it up. This means that bearing your cross is enduring things that you go through because you are a follower of Christ.
Someone who is suffering with a tragedy or a disease can endure hardships, however, hardships that can happen to anyone are not “crosses.” What Jesus is speaking of here is about suffering persecution merely for following Him. It is the things that His followers bring on themselves because they have made the decision to let Jesus be their Lord and Savior. Many early Christians suffered financial loss because most industries of that day had guilds. Each guild had its own pagan deity and part of being in the guild was worshiping the idol and participating in the practices, many which included sexual immorality and gluttony. Since Christians refused to participate in idol worship, they were forced out of the guild and became outcasts in their own communities. Farmers often suffered a similar fate. Because they were known Christians, they could not sell their goods at the market nor could they purchase needed supplies.
We don’t have near the persecution today in the United States that the First Century Christians suffered for being followers of Jesus. We may complain because God is being taken out of so much of our everyday life, especially in public places, but we are not really suffering for it per se. Honestly, the anti-God movement in this country is happening because too many Christians did take up their cross and stand against those who pushed the agenda. There are still countries in the world that severely persecute or punish those who are Christians.
The good news is, we don’t have to stand alone. First and most importantly, Jesus said in Matthew 28:30- “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Secondly, Paul instructed us to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). In context, he is dealing with sin, however, I believe we can apply it any burden because he concludes the with “…in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Friends don’t be afraid to take up your cross. Carry it with the strength that only comes from God. You are not alone. The reward for endurance is great!
Read I Peter 5:6-11