So, You Have A Cross?

Christians of all ages have crosses they are to bear, but there comes a time in life when the realization that they must bear this cross for Christ, or toss the cross and go another way, weighs heavily on the mind.  When this happens, some Christians are perplexed and surprised that they should have to carry a cross.  They are alarmed, afraid that something went gravely wrong in their faith walk, either on God’s end or on theirs.

But the truth is, we all have crosses to bear.  And what are they?  They could be persecution, fear of death, our own nagging consciences, or the relentless, haunting temptations of the devil and our own sinful flesh.  These will come, and we ought not be surprised when walking the Christian walk earns us these burdensome crosses.

But many are surprised when they come to the realization that they have a cross to bear.  Why?  Because there is not enough talk about bearing crosses in American Christianity today.  Today we are bombarded with the message that in Christ there is power to overcome any and all obstacles here and now.  And that’s true, although the idea is usually flipped so that Christ’s power becomes “my” power to overcome.  But it is true that you will not remove all your troubles now, and even Christ will not alleviate all your suffering now.  Then, yes.  Now, no.  Instead, Christ beckons us to pick up our crosses and follow him (Matthew 16:24).  We suffer so that we might be conformed to the image of God’s dear Son, becoming like him here in suffering, and like him there in that life to come in honor and glory (cf. Rom. 8:29; 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:11–12).

We need to listen to this Word from the Lord, lest we listen to the voice of the world which calls us to abandon the faith walk.  Our crosses would no longer be burdens, the world says, if we just indulge in sin and give in to temptation.

But God’s Word makes it clear that to be Christian is also to have a cross to carry.  So, you have discovered that you bear a cross for Christ?  Congratulations.  It is evidence of your Christian walk.  Now, how to live with it until God removes it (now or at your death) is the question.

In a sermon on the cross and suffering, Luther rightly points out that we do not choose our crosses.  We would choose for ourselves (if we could) different burdens that would be much easier for us to bear.  But we have the ones that we have for our own good.  And to bear up under the cross, we must cling to God’s Word.  He alone can strengthen us.  What is your cross?  Is it trouble from outside of you because of your Christian actions?  Is it turmoil within as you seek to put sin to death and live for Christ?  Though Christ might not remove the struggle for you now, he will help you bear it until he does remove it.  (And he will remove it).

So, you have a cross?  Let me encourage you with some words from Luther’s sermon.  “If you have affliction and suffering, say: I have myself not chosen and prepared this cross; it is because of the Word of God that I am suffering and that I have and teach Christ.  So let it be in God’s name. I will let him take care of it and fight it out who long ago foretold that I should have this suffering and promised me his divine and gracious help.  If you give yourself to Scripture, you will feel comfort and all your concerns will be better, which otherwise you cannot control by any act or means of your own… Therefore, since it is better to have a cross than to be without one, nobody should dread or be afraid of it. After all, you have a good strong promise with which to comfort yourself. Besides, the gospel cannot come to the fore except through and in suffering and cross.”

God’s strength, as you follow Christ!