I want to clarify again, what my intent is with the Jerk Essays. They are only my rough around the edges thoughts. They are conversations that I believe many people want to have but won’t go there because they will sound like a jerk. So I have taken the liberty to do just that. They are unrefined and maybe anti climatic, but hey, iron sharpens iron.
So here is a preview of possible contents:
If you have been around well meaning evangelical Christians, you may of heard the phrase “Take up your cross!” I really wonder if those who say it, or try to, really understand what that means. I know many who have said it to me, myself included, and really mean to say, “just get over yourself!” If that is what you really want to say and wrap up in a serious statement that Jesus said, we are doing a great dis-service to the potency of that statement. I have also heard it used to counsel someone to get over a self-control issue, like quit smoking, or don’t believe that, or act a certain way, etc. etc. Once again, I think that is a misuse of the statement. I do think those who say it mean well, but I am not so convinced that those sentiments are at the heart of that statement Jesus told his disciples.
In my experience, which is in some people’s opinions little, when this phrase is used like this, it creates guilt. I’m struggling, well carry your cross. That’s what a good Christian does. In my jerkish opinion, that is not what that statement means. How does that statement apply to Jesus?
When I look at the context when Jesus said that, it is a reference to self-denial, which arguably deals directly with self-control issues. But, I think it is bigger and deeper than that. What was Jesus’ cross. Self-sacrifice for the good of all. But at the heart of it is love and service. Putting others above himself. Relationships. You feeling me?
When Jesus explains that it is better for a man to lose his life than to save it, what is the reference to? Rehearsing truth? Dealing with personal issues (see why I call it jerk essays?)? Those are all important and necessary at some point in following Jesus, but that statement doesn’t refer to that. Is it better for a man to live for himself, to think for himself, and to gain ’stuff’ only for himself? Not at all. Jesus, came to be a servant to all. To love all.
To carry your cross is ultimate act of self-denial in favor of someone else’s behalf. Nothing less. This makes sense in light of the cross that Jesus carried & when we try to understand the Kingdom of God.
If you are dealing with an issue of self-control, then it is appropriate to say stop sinning. Not carry your cross. But if you are selfish being (we all are) and have difficulty in loving and serving others and putting them first, then you need to carry your cross.
Maybe it is just me, but hey, these are the ‘jerk essays’.
Good thought. I agree. I think it’s out of context when its use is counseling situations. (unless the counseling situation deals with someone who doesn’t know Jesus but wants to follow, I would point them to that text and show them that it’s not a fluffy life!!) I would like to think “take up your cross” means a life long sacrifice to follow Christ who by his example are to love others.
I’ve also heard Christians say Jesus meant, “are they willing to take up their cross and follow?” Meaning that it is not a direct command but that they must be on the ready to carry it. I think that’s messed up as well and ignores the initial command of Jesus. I think this command should come at the forefront of anyone wanting to follow the Savior. They need to see the image of the cross and the burden that Jesus took.
I recently received and e-mail from a friend of mine who has a life long struggle with various stuff in his life. The thought of take up your cross never occurred to me. However, I did tell him to repent your crap and you don’t have to live that way. He appreciated it because everyone told him it was just a season, or things will get better.. The stuff in his life had really become an idol. The word repent means to actually hate the sin and turn from it to God. It’s inline with dealing with self control. It is also a word that is forgotten in the church today.
Thanks for your thoughts brother.
Grace and Peace
Craig,
I appreciate the comment and I agree with your statement about the call to follow and the ability to carry it. The disciples were following Jesus well before they had any idea what Jesus meant by saying that. The cross is a significant, maybe one of the two most significant mysteries, part of following Jesus. But, is one already able to do so right away? Or does one even understand the implications? I think Jesus said it best, that one has to count the cost before becoming a disciple. Part of the cost is the knowing that to follow Jesus means to put oneself below others as a servant and love.
To get rid of sin issues (carrying your cross out of context) in order to follow initially is faulty counsel. That is all part of the journey and must be understood that way. Repentance is vital, Jesus said that we need to produce fruit with repentance. But, that doesn’t mean carrying your cross in my opinion. Carrying the cross is the self sacrifice for the greater good, and that can mean only one person.