TAKING UP THE CROSS

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 1, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 46.

TAKING UP THE CROSS.

WE take up our cross when we mortify the deeds of the flesh for the sake of the spirit (Col. 3:5), or when we gladly suffer the loss of all things that we may be found in Christ (Phil. 3:8–10), or share his sufferings and self-sacrifices that we may minister to his suffering ones. Matt. 25:35, 36. All self-denials for Jesus' sake are a taking up the cross. The cross is the symbol of death, and the spirit of taking up the cross implies the willingness to suffer for Jesus even unto death. But often many small self-denials, a continual enduring of little crosses, are more difficult to bear than martyrdom, and are as real a sacrifice of the life to Jesus. Each one must take up his own cross, the one the good Father lays upon him. He must take it up voluntarily. He must bear it after Christ, in Christ's spirit, in his way, in doing his work. Every person needs a cross to make him better in this world and fit him for Heaven. No true life is lived without some cross.—Selected.