The Greatest Challenge in Bearing the Cross

After work, I sometimes meet colleagues or neighbors who are also Christians and chat about various topics. Yet when the conversation turns to the cross, I realize not everyone is comfortable discussing it. Some think the cross is a heavy topic that makes their head spin. Others feel they already have enough problems and do not want anything else added to them.

Of course, we need to consider the situation and condition of the person we are speaking with at that moment. Perhaps they are tired, burdened with many thoughts, or unable to focus. So, that does not necessarily mean they will refuse to talk about the cross. Nor does it mean they are not bearing their own cross. It is best not to be too quick to judge that our friend lacks faith.

However, it is a different story if a Christian always avoids the topic of the cross, and even avoids his own cross. Why can this happen? And how should we view the cross of Christ?

The Consequences of the Cross: Halfhearted or Total?

Then Jesus said to His disciples: “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-25

Jesus never promised that by following Him, our lives would be easy, our income would increase, or people would always be kind to us. He gave a condition that is not easy: deny yourself and bear your cross.

Some people are halfhearted in following Christ, but there are also those who are willing to bear their cross with all their heart and soul. Here is an explanation of those two types:

1. The One Who Draws the Line (Matthew 19:16-26)  

A rich young man came to Jesus and asked what he had to do to obtain eternal life. When Jesus told him to obey all God's commandments, he said he had done all of them (Matthew 19:20). Yet it turned out there was still one thing lacking.

Jesus said to him: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come here and follow Me.” – Matthew 19:21

This young man's spiritual life could be said to be nearly perfect; even Jesus Himself did not dispute what he said. Yet to become perfect, Jesus asked one more thing of him: he had to overcome his greatest challenge, namely the love of money.

When the young man heard that word, he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions. – Matthew 19:22

One of the most serious challenges in bearing the cross is stepping out of our comfort zone. This young man drew a line before Jesus because he chose his wealth instead. Even so, the Lord wants us not to be halfhearted in following Him.

What is our greatest challenge in bearing the cross? Is it wealth, position, environment, character, or bad habits? What comfort keeps us from following Jesus wholeheartedly?

Pray and ask for God's help so that we may be wiser and willing to let go of whatever draws us away from Christ. If necessary, discuss it with brothers and sisters in the faith who may be able to help us in this matter.

2. The One Who Is Willing to Die for Jesus (Acts 6:8-15, 7:51-60)

Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to serve the poor (Acts 6:5) and became the first martyr. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shows that Stephen wholeheartedly denied himself, bore his cross, and followed Jesus.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed wonders and signs among the people. But some men from the synagogue of the Freedmen arose—members of it were from Cyrene and Alexandria—along with some Jews from Cilicia and Asia. These men disputed with Stephen … – Acts 6:8-9 When you bear the cross, there may be people who are displeased and then pick a quarrel with you. Perhaps you face various risks, such as losing your reputation, being mocked, slandered, or avoided by friends. Stephen experienced this as well. To face the confrontation of the Jews, he boldly debated with them and even testified before the Sanhedrin. He was not afraid even though he knew great danger awaited him, and in the end, he had to meet his death at the hands of those who were enraged by his preaching of the gospel.

Bearing the cross means being ready to suffer persecution, to go through things that are unpleasant to the flesh. We cast off the things that hinder our relationship with Jesus. We learn to stand the test in the face of struggles, and to cultivate courage in hardship. Denying ourselves and bearing the cross is a condition of following Jesus that we must carry out if we are serious about following Him.

Let us learn to bear the cross like Stephen and not draw a line in our lives before Jesus. Let us give our total commitment to Him, because He first loved us totally, even being willing to die to redeem our sins. Amen.