Bible

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Baldwin

And I know that self-delusion, in the service of no matter how small or lofty cause, is a price no writer can afford.

Blessing

As a pastor my greatest temptation is to preach a “nice Jesus”. A Christ who is like Superman and will save us from our crosses. The truth is, no matter how off putting it, that He has never promised to this. In fact, He has said that we must take up our crosses. This is the reality of life and faith, and the sooner we accept the easier following Christ will be. Though He will not take up our crosses, He will strengthen us to carry them. And what’s more is that He, Who never leaves nor forsakes will carry our crosses with us.

May we be blessed by the reality of life and faith this Lenten season.

Here is a classic Spiritual that talks about the reality of life and faith.