"What is the essence of the cross that each Christian must of necessity carry willingly, even joyfully?
Jesus defines it for us with all its flesh-piercing splinters and slivers. He defines it in such a way that there could never be a time when an aware Christian would be unaware of his need for the compassionate Christ, who gives rest to the weary and refreshes the burdened.
The essence of the cross in every stage of life and in every changing circumstance is this:
Self denial.
He tells us, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' (Mark 8:34)
Again, with what mastery Jesus sums up the whole matter in Mark 8!
Self denial will always be difficult, will always be a struggle.
Hence, to undertake such is to take up a heavy, flesh-ripping backbreaking cross.
For what is it that everyone wants by nature?
What is it that is at the very heart and core of each one of us?
Each wants to save his life and not lose it. And to fallen man the essence of saving life is not
merely the continuance of bodily functions. It is rather that one's own will be done.
To do the will of another or to have one's own will denied is to lose life."
The Theology of the Cross, pg. 13
by Daniel Deutschlander
Thank you Leah. It does have everything to do with being a wife and a mother. Because the fruit we bring forth starts with how we think. And which way of thinking gets better things for my husband and children? The flesh and all its arguments? Or fleeing to "the compassionate Christ, who gives rest to the weary and refreshes the burdened?" My sin is ever before me, is a way better meditation than trying to prop up the flesh by thinking, "I'm really gonna get on top of this today. Gonna be strong,forgiving, patient, kind, good, whatever, ad nauseum*."
ReplyDelete*Ad nauseam is a Latin term used to describe an argument which has been continuing "to the point of nausea", and I think that is a great picture of that old Adam, forever having arguments in order to save his life.
Funny how I think someday I will have this mastered, and it will suddenly be easy. That day hasn't come yet, and now I remember why.
ReplyDeleteBut I also hear those commands as promises- you SHALL love God with all your heart, and you SHALL love your neighbor as yourself... He who has begun this work will finish it. Good thing, too.