Our Cross

Jesus said to everyone: If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9

In the previous post we looked at the revelation of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ: You are the Christ, the son of the living God.
Let us continue exploring the reasons why Christians look exclusively at the cross of Jesus, and at the Christ in Jesus, without noticing the transforming depth of the Christ in us, of our cross, and its consequences.

Christ is formed in us by our cross

Jesus Christ preached only about the coming of the Kingdom of God, which was fulfilled when He sent the Spirit of God to dwell in us. Continuing this, the apostle Paul preached only about the action of the Spirit of God in the ordinary human being, like me and you, which he defines as the mystery of God finally revealed, which is Christ, emphasizing the need to form Christ in us.

When we understand the work of Jesus and receive the Spirit of God, sent by Him, we are saved from our own generation, which is perverse and corrupt. In this process, and cooperating with the power of the Spirit of God, Christ is being formed in us, we take up our own cross and we crucify our passions little by little.

Deciding to follow the example of Jesus

The Spirit of God enables us to endure every kind of trial, and even with joy, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and this process transforms us so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1
Even though in this world we have, and will have, afflictions, it is our faith in Jesus Christ and in the action of the Spirit of God in us that will give us the victory. 1 John 5

Because our perseverance in this process destroys enmities Eph 2
And whoever follows Christ is pleasing to God and approved by men. Rom 14

Why do we avoid our cross?

The most likely reason is that it is easier and more comfortable to live according to the standards of this world. It is very challenging to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and He Himself said:
You always find a way around the commandments of God, to follow your own teachings Mark 7
Most choose the wide gate and the broad road that leads to destruction. And few choose the narrow gate and the hard road that leads to life Mark 7

We have difficulty trusting God, his sovereignty, his plans and purposes; it is much simpler to follow the crowds, especially if they are going after a golden calf.

Let us look at just one example, among so many others, of our conformism and our way of getting around things. There is no intention to judge or condemn, only to bring a reflection on reality.
Jesus explained to his disciples that whoever divorces and marries again commits adultery, except in cases of sexual immorality. Mark 10   Matt 5
However, society justifies itself by saying that the Bible is outdated, out of step with current usages and customs, and so this now applies to Christians too. After all, everybody does it.
So, am I the only one who is going to be caught for Christ? Nobody wants to be caught for Christ, even though this is a central aspect of Christianity.

Conclusion

Jesus said to everyone: If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, day by day take up his cross and follow me. Luke 9
It is necessary to crucify our old man on our own cross. It is a painful process; we know that.

Just as the cross of Jesus forgave us, our cross can be the instrument to forgive those who do not believe, Col 2
For that is what Jesus said after breathing the Holy Spirit on his disciples John 20
Because it is the kindness of God that leads to a change of mindset, to repentance. Rom 2

Remember that the timid, the fearful and the cowardly are under another spirit. 2 Tim 1

Carrying our cross is the process of transformation that allows the understanding of divine perfection. Just as Jesus Christ was perfect and wherever he went perfection was restored: the dead were raised, the sick were healed, storms were calmed, because the perfect purpose of God was there. Our cross lifts us up!!

And now, shall we stop looking at the cross of Jesus Christ, and begin to carry our own cross, strengthened by his example and by the Spirit He sent us? Do you have the courage?

Let there be light! Peace! Amen!

Learn more at the links below:

Have you already received the Holy Spirit? Because it is impossible to be a Christian without Christ

The fruit of the Spirit Because, ultimately, this fruit is Christ in us

Christ: A new generation A lighthouse hidden by traditions

The great deception: Because the Evil One uses the Word of God to deceive us

The letter kills! Words are necessary, but insufficient

The essence of the Bible The central and essential message of the Bible is Christ in us

You are the Christ, the son of the living God In a marvelous way He calls us