“Let him deny himself ...

... and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

What are the crosses of our lives?  All those things, people, and circumstances that are difficult for us – illness, loss, unloving people, challenging projects, times with too much to do, times when we aren’t appreciated…  So many crosses big and small. 

Jesus encourages us to do the hard thing, not run from it.  Do what we know is right, no matter the consequence.  To deny ourselves is to not put our needs first, but rather the needs of another:  the parent who gets up in the middle of the night when a child is crying, the person who cares for a sick parent or friend, the one who apologizes for hurting another rather than feeling justified that they were in the right.  All these actions, and so many more, help us to grow and become more loving and more like Christ.

And loving is difficult.  It requires us to keep our mouths shut sometimes and to speak the difficult truth at other times.  It requires us to serve another when we would rather be served.  It requires us to give generously when we would rather keep something for ourselves.  It requires patient acceptance of who people are, rather than passing judgment. 

And we are to take up these crosses daily – not just when we feel like it - and that can be challenging.  But the great news about this frequency is that we can begin again daily, recommitting ourselves to the Lord every day when we fail or miss opportunities.  And with consistency comes ease, commitment, and a new habit.  Just like our physical muscles are built up when we exercise, so our ability to deny ourselves for another, increases.

But denying ourselves and taking up our cross mean nothing unless we are following Jesus.  Following Jesus ensures we will pick up the crosses intended for us, not everyone else's crosses, following wherever God leads, not where we or others think we should go.  Focusing on Christ allows us to get past ourselves and receive his strength, rather than relying on our own.  Following Christ teaches us what the truth is and what true love is, and strengthens us for the journey.

How beautiful that Jesus has given us this very straightforward path to true life in him. Deny yourself, pick up your cross each day, and follow the Lord.