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That statement makes it sound as if in seeking heaven we may encounter unpleasantness and possibly, even hardship. Is that really the case? What does it mean to bear a cross anyway? It sounds hard – even dangerous. Many would define cross-bearing as outright persecution, while others feel burdened if a change in lifestyle is recommended as a result of faithfulness. What do you consider to be your cross? Your parents, work, responsibility demanded of you by your teachers and professors? How about the expectations your preacher and peers have of you; has your faith’s call for outspokenness and disciplined action become a burden for you? Is your cross the Christ of the crucifixion?

Human nature tends to gravitate to comfort and ease. And of course, given a choice between heaven and hell the worst sinner would choose heaven. But life often entails work and real effort; the Christian lifestyle almost always does, as it doesn’t come naturally. And Jesus expects effort, not just for living a good life but for something above and beyond the ordinary.

In fact, we almost never truly appreciate success until we’ve experienced failure, rarely respect accomplishment without exerting ourselves to achieve it, receive miracles only as a result of genuine need or extreme difficulty, nor can we truly rejoice in victory before confronting the real possibility of defeat. That’s why Paul assured the Corinthians that, “…just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 Yes, sometimes being a Christian is hard, even dangerous. Jesus’ specific words concerning this issue were, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me (and for the gospel – Mark 8:35) will save it.” Luke 9:23,24

When we mention crosses, we immediately think of crucifixion; suffering and death. Is that really what Christ is calling for here? It could be. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but to also suffer for him,…” Philippians 1:28 (That sounds like Paul thought it a privilege.) He continues in this same vein by saying, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10

He further asserts that we are heirs of God – co-heirs with Christ – only, “…if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17 But this could be a call to “lose” our perception of life, our expectations from life, our desire for life – in Christ; giving up one life for another – living as he would have us to rather then as we might prefer. In that regard we may very well be burdened by persecution, disappointment, changed expectations and loyalties, altered friendships, etc.; which could be identified as a cross to be borne. We are called on repeatedly to identify so closely with Christ that we become cross-bearers as well. For, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

And yet this may often be nothing more than being willing to step up and be counted, to speak up for what Christ has done for us, willingly taking the gospel of Jesus to others out of concern for them and appreciation of him. For, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my father in heaven. BUT whoever disowns me before men, I will disown before my father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32,33 (See also Mark 8:38) Do you identify with Jesus? Are you attempting to imitate his life, sharing in his being and lifestyle? Do you identify with his cross? Are you willing to give up your sense of self, your comfort and preferences to accommodate others – to be obedient to the will of Christ?

Many ask – ‘Why should I? Whose life is it anyway?’ The answer of course, being found in scripture; for whether you acknowledge it or not, Christ made provision for you on the cross. He paid the price of your indebtedness, clearing you of responsibility for your sin but making you accountable to him. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 And what a price he paid. The loss of heaven, at least for a while, as he chose to live among mortal man, which entailed a certain amount of separation from God compounded by a death full of suffering and shame. He has a right to expect something in return. “Therefore honor God with your body.”; through your lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 If it is indeed no longer my life to live as I see fit but his life to direct as pleases him, then it is not up to me to decide what I do or who has importance in my life. Christ should and must have first place in our lives, then we will have the capacity to love others fully and be more effective in all we attempt to do for and through him.

Sometimes “suffering” or hardship takes the form of making difficult choices as to who we associate with and spend our time, effort and money on, even within our own families. Jesus declaring that, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37,38 This certainly not being a call to turn our backs on family or friends, but if a choice has to be made – it must be Christ; with the assurance that, “…no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mothers or fathers or children or friends for me and for the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age…and in the age to come, eternal life.” Mark 10:29,30

Our cross-bearing then naturally effects how we relate to the world and its attractions. Many of the God-created wonders of the earth should be respected, appreciated and cared for, but the false attractions of the world that are dangled before us to lead us astray must be avoided at all costs. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – come not from the father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 “For what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26,27 Have you ever really considered that? Cross-bearing as well as heaven-seeking takes a pretty radical approach to living. Living for God above all else. Putting others’ needs before our own. Living as a fanatic or one who lives with extreme enthusiasm and thoroughness; in such a way that people can’t help but notice and be effected. Any such self-sacrifice will then be seen as well worth the price as we, “…consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Do you really want that? Do you really love the heavenly kingdom and he who resides there so much that you will eagerly embrace the cross that spans the gulf between us and him? Then “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2,3

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