Great Illustration

Some of the most powerful words of Jesus Christ are: "Whoever would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus also said, "whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."

Cross carrying, however, is not a popular message. In fact, it flies in the face of much of the current version of the 'bait and switch' gospel message that promises if you come to God you will receive 'rich rewards', or come to Christ and 'you'll be wealthy', or, 'you'll be a better business man', not to mention that 'God doesn't want you to ever suffer'. This modernized, sanitized version of the Gospel of Christ is completely void of the mention of trials, temptations and battles that we are scripturally promised to face as believers.

But the Word of God actually tells us to embrace our trials: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ^ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ^ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4. The Apostle Peter also tells us that when we are enduring trials, the genuineness of our faith is being tested so it will bring glory to Jesus Christ at his appearing. Carrying our cross is part of the gig as a true Christian.

This little illustration below powerfully shows the necessity of going through trials and suffering - the cross carrying - that we endure for the sake of Christ: