My Cross to Bear

 

photo by Sarai

At the end of a rather intense discourse, in a most forlorn tone, my chat mate said to me, “I guess it’s my cross to bear” I did not respond but I did think of the many times I’ve heard people make this claim when referring to some sort of hardship or challenge they were experiencing.

“…my cross to bear”

Why are you bearing a cross after Jesus has already done so on your behalf? Are you negating what the Lord has already done? Or are you prepared to become a walking crucifix – surrendering yourself to the will of God, living as an example of Christ here and now in the way you carry yourself, think, and treat others?

“Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 (CEB)

Bearing your cross has nothing to do with tolerating your ill-tempered boss.

Bearing your cross has nothing to do with your decision to remain in a loveless, contactless non-communication marriage.

Bearing your cross has to do with revealing to others the life-changing Jesus who is yearning for them to accept Him into their hearts.

Bearing your cross has to do with pointing others in the direction of the Source of all that is Real and Beautiful and True.

Bearing your cross has to do with reminding others of that which they have already affirmed so that they’ll remain on the path of Life.

Bearing your cross has to do with helping others see that God is not remote but is wherever they are.

Bearing your cross has to do with seeing another dimension – the holy and the sacred that are present here and now.

Bearing your cross has to do with having a moving, worshipful and spiritual experience as you say no to yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus.

Bearing your cross has everything to do with Jesus.

Yes beloved, go right ahead and declare, “It is my cross to bear” but when you do, make sure you’re saying it for all the right reasons.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “My Cross to Bear” © July 22, 2025