Carrying the Cross

In our Thursday Life Group, we're studying Walk As Jesus Walked in the Faith Lessons series produced by Focus on the Family and hosted by Ray Vander Laan. While preparing for it this week, I was shaken to the core by its message.

The study's theme focuses on disciples not only following after Jesus, but becoming like Jesus - just as a talmadim becomes like his rabbi. This week's idea was framed around the concept that Jesus suffered. Jesus tells us in Mark 8:34, "If anyone should come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me."

My cross is definitely different than yours. Not everyone is called to martyrdom like our Messiah and countless Christians after Him. So, what is your cross? Are you sure you're not limiting your cross to only those things that you've considered in the past?

God's Spirit led me through some very important questions this week that are challenging me to re-think what my cross is and make some necessary adjustments so that I'm truly carrying my cross, not allowing someone else to do it for me.

Am I giving my best?

Can I give more? ...do more for Him?

Will I be satisfied with my life's effort when I breathe my last?

Can I justify holding on to so many material things when others have so little?

Have I really suffered as a disciple of Christ?

Just how much suffering will I accept in my life as a disciple?

What's influencing me more - my culture or my Lord?

I hope you'll take some time today to ask the tough questions. Spend a few minutes at least marinating in the Spirit's conviction about the cross you're carrying.