Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

“And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself], [forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests,] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. Luke 9:23

Take up your cross means to deny yourself, it is a willingness to give up self, give up your plans, your ways, and your thoughts for those of Jesus.  Do these for Jesus, seek Him, follow Him, serve Him, and walk in His plan for your life, not yours.  Live your life according to the Bible, walking in love and forgiveness, being a blessing to others and to God. 

Many people of different beliefs use the term “Take up your Cross” to indicate that God has put affliction or calamity in their lives.  Well, God has not!  God is a good God and is not partners with the devil.  John 10:10 says that “The thief (the devil) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance”. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jesus came to give us life and every good thing.  Jesus paid the price for our sickness, our disease and bore our sin and the entire curse for us. Why would someone pay for something for you and then expect you to pay for it?  Galatians 3:13 “Christ  purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us”.

So put your ways, your plans and your self aside and “Take up your Cross” and follow Jesus today, walk in His perfect plan for your life, study the Bible and listen to quality ministries and live as Jesus has showed and told us to live; walking in love and forgiveness and loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

I call you blessed so that you may be a blessing,

Cheryl Hyde