My Stuff or His Cross?
If you’re anything like me, you hate making more trips to carry “stuff” than necessary. Whether it’s too many bags of groceries at once from the car, several loads of laundry piled high in a basket, or the entire collection of library books that I’ve checked out for my class–I despise having to retrace my steps. If I can get away with doing “it all” in one go, I’ll give it a shot. I’m not saying I always succeed without dropping something, or having to put it all down to unlock a door, but I see it as a personal challenge. Anyone relate?
Momma called it a “lazy man’s load.”
She was quick to label it as such when I failed at the challenge, but I still catch myself trying the same strategy. I’m not sure it saves me much effort. I guess I can be pretty lazy, but I’ll choose to label it “efficiency.” It’s at those times I wish someone would come along to open that door or pick up what slipped out of my hands.
…and then we remember Jesus, because everything ties into His story…
He had the biggest burden ever to carry, and had to do so alone. He didn’t try to use any shortcuts or avoid the task. He was born for us and died for us.
“And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!” – Philippians 2:8 (AMP)
Even before Christ’s crucifixion, He predicted His death and told His disciples and the crowd,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Jesus didn’t mean we must die as He did, but that every day we must sacrifice the control of our lives to God. How do we surrender to God’s sovereignty? How do we deny ourselves?
The answer is basic: We must lay down all of our earthly priorities, desires (and even our fears), in order to take up the cross God has purposed for each of us. The thought of letting go of what I think is in my control is extremely scary to me. I have grown so accustomed to believing I am in charge of my life. (More on that personal struggle as a wife and mom in upcoming posts!)
…but, we can’t possibly carry our cross if we are holding on to life’s “stuff.”
We have to put down our garbage in order to pick up His cross.
The amazing and cool thing is that when we do, we never have to carry any of our burdens alone. It’s like a yoke used for two animals side by side to bear weight together; God and me–a team.
“For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” – Matthew 11:30 (NET)
Let’s set down everything we are holding onto today, so we can carry the cross of Christ into our world.
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
