Jesus Carried the Cross So You Would Not Have To—Not So You Could Ignore It

There is a version of Christianity being preached that is comfortable, convenient, and completely at odds with what Jesus actually taught.

Jesus carried His cross to Calvary. But He did not carry it so we would never have to carry ours. He carried it to pay the price we could not pay—and then He turned and told us to take up our own crosses daily.

This is uncomfortable language. It speaks of death to self, denial of desires, and daily surrender. It is the opposite of the "live your best life now" gospel that has infiltrated so many churches.

Taking up your cross means that following Jesus will cost you something. It means there will be things you have to give up, relationships that will change, comforts you will have to release. It means obedience even when obedience is inconvenient.

The cross Jesus carried was not symbolic—it was an instrument of death. When He tells us to take up ours, He is calling us to die: to our pride, our preferences, our plans that do not align with His will.

This does not earn our salvation—Jesus already accomplished that. But it evidences our salvation. A faith that costs nothing changes nothing. A disciple who follows at a distance is not really following at all.

Do not use Jesus's sacrifice as an excuse to avoid yours. He did not die so you could live for yourself. He died so you could truly live—and true life looks like daily death to the old self and daily resurrection to new life in Him.