A Disciple Bears Her Cross – Abide in the Vine

Former procrastinators, if we go to church, attend a Bible study, and give to Christian causes are we Jesus’s disciples – according to Him?  Our challenge is to develop the perspective Christ Himself has and live according to that. In five scriptures Jesus specifically names characteristics He’s looking for in a disciple.

First, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:27.

What is somebody’s cross?  This verse indicates each of us has a cross. 

We tend to think of it as a long, painful burden inflicted on us.  In Jesus’s day take up your cross meant “you’re about to die.”  “Take up your cross” means self-sacrifice in surrender to God. Each of us has a self-directed will that needs to die to experience the glories of God. Follow Him with a will to sacrifice.

The cross was God’s plan as the instrument of our salvation.  It meant full surrender.  Jesus gave His life for us, then rose from the grave that we might have life.  The cross is the heart of the gospel. If I live surrendered to Him, it is the heart of my life.

To abide in the Vine – be His disciple – I must let go of what I want, submit to Him. Then, I’m able to receive the glorious riches He has for me. 

Since the cross is an instrument of death, taking my cross involves whatever causes me to die to self.  Something I discount as insignificant God may see as important to change. He knows my heart and how my attitudes and actions affect others.

Applications of dying to self might involve something within me that I must resist, something outside of me for which I become responsible, something done to me with which I must cope, something I caused, or something I cherish but God despises. All are tools in the Lord’s hands to make us the women He desires for His kingdom. 

Instead of viewing the cross as something inflicted on me, something I’m “stuck with,” better understanding helps me see it as an opportunity. 

^“For whoever would save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”  Matthew 16:25-26

Jesus’s humble submission to death on the cross brought Him exaltation beside the Father. By His grace, I bless Him as I die to self. He blesses me as I yield to His loving wisdom.

For some, procrastination is an aggravation.  For me, it was a stronghold in my life that needed the supernatural power of God to overcome.  My cross now includes staying alert to sacrifice selfish will in a timely manner so I honor God with my choices and guard against the devil’s diversions. The surrender is worth it.

What cross do you take up as you follow Him?