December 11

Cross-bearing proves the disciple

“He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38).
“Come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21).

One fruitful cause of failure might be called “Shrinking the Cross.” We use the word “cross” in a general sense. Good men have given their various ideas as to just what the cross is, in the life of today. Without giving it any specific meaning, we might define it as any exercise, more or less distasteful and irksome to the natural, carnal man, which, if carried out heartily and consistently, yields spiritual benefits. Taken in this light, it is evident that different individuals have different crosses. What may be a cross for one person may be perfectly easy and convenient for his neighbor.

It is evident that service to God which is so convenient as to demand no exertion, is a poor test of virtue; hence it remains for the crosses which stretch and strain the moral fiber, to prove the strength of heart-affections for Christ. The idea is simply this: a real Christian willingly goes through “hard things” for Christ’s sake, and like his Captain, is made “perfect” through suffering.
—Howard B. Bitzer.

All those who challenge the enemies of mankind, and draw their swords against all evil must expect to be struck back, to be wounded—nay, they must be prepared to die. When therefore difficulty and persecution come, instead of giving up, the Christian should say, “This is what I expected; this proves I am in the right place. I have promised God I would bear the cross, and here it is; therefore, I will take it up and carry it. Now I have a chance of proving that I am made of the right stuff.” He should always bear in mind for his encouragement that his reward will not be according to the measure of his visible success, but the character of his fightings.
—General William Booth.

Let us take up the cross,
Till we the crown obtain;
And gladly reckon all things loss,
So we may Jesus gain.
—Charles Wesley.

To take up the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us.
—J. H. Newman.

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