Cross-Bearing

The Christian life is a life that consists of following Jesus. "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." O that you and I may gain distinction for the closeness of our walk to Christ! There is a class described in Scripture of whom it is said, "These are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes." But sad to say, there is another class, and a large class, who seem to follow the Lord fitfully, spasmodically, half-heartedly, occasionally, distantly. There is much of the world and much of self in their lives and so little of Christ. Thrice happy shall he be, who like Caleb follows the Lord fully.

Now, beloved, our chief business and desire is to follow Christ but there are difficulties in the way. There are obstacles in the path, and it is to them, that the first part of our text refers. You notice that the words "follow Me" come at the end. SELF, self stands in the way, and the world with its ten thousand attractions and distractions is an obstacle; and therefore Christ says, "If any man will come after Me - (first) let him deny himself, (second) take up his cross, (third) and follow Me." And there we learn the reason why so few professing Christians are following Him closely, manifestly, consistently.

 

[A. W. Pink]

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Matthew 16:24 ... Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.


Luke 14:27 ... And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.


1 Corinthians 15:31 ... I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. ❤