S.3 EP.3 - What does it mean to take up your cross?

May 17

In this episode, Carla answers a commonly misunderstood question: What does it mean to take up your cross? Discover the two extreme expressions Christians often have and learn the true essence of carrying your cross. Find out how picking up your cross means dying to yourself, surrendering to God's plans, and serving Jesus wholeheartedly. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this concept and set your heart and mind on complete surrender to God.

Key Takeaways:

Carla opens by sharing that taking up your cross has actually been an ongoing topic for a client and herself, and how she thinks it’s a commonly misunderstood concept.

Carla reads Matthew 16:24, and how there are often 2 different extreme expressions of this scripture in Christians:

Seeing taking up your cross as a burden - a bad relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness - that they must be constantly suffering and not experiencing joy to be truly taking up their cross. This often manifests itself in self-pity and righteous pride - playing the martyr. God does not intend our life to be void of joy - carrying your cross does not equate keeping yourself in a constant state of struggle.
Living your life as if it is your own. Yes there is freedom, joy and mercy, but your calling is to pick up your cross is still there! Look to Jesus - he denied himself and trusted the plan of his Father. Jesus picking up his cross was laying down his will for the will of the Father.

Picking up your cross is to die to yourself. Ask God what His plans and His will looks like. Stay in a posture of surrender. Ask God how you are playing a role in expanding His Kingdom and transforming into His likeness. Are you willing to risk it all to serve Jesus?
God’s not after your performance, He’s after your heart.