What is Your Cross?

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Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

 

Bible Reading for a Year [bible]psalm147[/bible]; [bible]revel3[/bible]; [bible]0ezra5-6[/bible]

 

James Agee, a famous American writer, recounts how he once talked with a poor old lady in Appalachia during the Great Depression in the United States. The old woman lived in a small hut with a dirt floor, ; there was no heating nor drains in the house. Then Agee asked the poor woman, "What would you do if someone comes and gives you money to help you?" The old woman thought for a moment and then replied, "I think I'll give it to the poor."

The cross is a symbol of suffering, especially suffering for being a follower of Christ. The shape of the cross is different for every person. The crosses can be in the economy, households, ministry, disease and other problems. And, many Christians complain for taking their own cross.

They complain because they think that the cross is too heavy for them and they feel that they are "the most miserable person in the world". In fact, compared with the other’ crosses, their cross is actually lighter. That is, when facing life problems, many Christians feel that their problem is very heavy, heavier than any other problem in this world. In fact, they are not.

If they see other people's lives instead of focusing on the problems they face, then they will realize that there are many people who have bigger problems. And they will be more concerned with other people's problems and can be grateful for their lives.

As the followers of Christ, we should not complain taking our cross. Each of us should take up our own cross faithfully, as Christ did for the forgiveness of our sins. Believe that our heavenly Father is faithful, He will always be with us and gives us the strength to take up our cross.

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