Those who belong to Christ Jesus have
crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
But in
the practical, everyday outworking of the believer’s crucifixion, his own cross
is brought into play. “Let him take up his cross.” That is obviously not the
cross of Christ. Rather it is the believer’s own personal cross by means of
which the cross of Christ is made effective in slaying his evil nature and
setting him free from its power. The believer’s own cross is one he has assumed
voluntarily. Therein lies the difference between his cross and the cross on
which Roman convicts died. They went to the cross against their will; he,
because he chooses to do so. No Roman officer ever pointed to a Cross and said,
“if any man will, let him.” Only Christ said that, and by so saying He placed
the whole matter in the hands of the Christian. He can refuse to take his
cross, or he can stoop and take it up and start for the dark hill. The
difference between great sainthood and spiritual mediocrity depends upon which
choice he makes.
To go
along with Christ step by step and point by point in identical suffering of
Roman crucifixion is not possible for any of us, and certainly is not intended
by our Lord. What He does intend is that each of us should count himself dead
indeed with Christ, and then accept willingly whatever self-denial, repentance,
humility and humble sacrifice may be found in the path of obedient daily
living. That is his cross, and it is the only one the Lord has invited him to
bear.
Then he
said to them all:
"If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
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