In the ever-evolving landscape of modern life, being a young Christian can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. The call to "take up your cross and follow me," as articulated in Matthew 16:24 (NIV), is a timeless and powerful invitation from Jesus Himself. Yet, as a young Christian, you might find yourself wondering what it truly means to carry your cross and embrace the path of discipleship.
In this article, we will embark on a journey to unpack the profound message behind this scripture and offer practical guidance specifically tailored to young Christians. Whether you're a teenager in high school, a college student or a young adult forging your path in the world, the call to be a disciple of Christ is not only relevant but profoundly transformative. Let's explore how you can effectively respond to this divine invitation and discover the richness and purpose it can bring to your life.
The verse from Matthew 16:24 states,
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
These words are a powerful call to discipleship, but what do they mean for young Christians today? Before delving into a brief exploration of what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus, let us look into two examples from the Bible.
The Man Who Denied the Cross
Once, in the bustling streets of Jerusalem, a young man of considerable wealth approached Jesus as He sat teaching His disciples and the crowd. You might know this man as the "rich young ruler" from Matthew 19. His clothing was opulent, and his demeanor reflected the confidence that often accompanies material success. Yet, there was a restlessness in his eyes that betrayed an inner turmoil.
He fell to his knees before Jesus and respectfully asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, who saw beyond the external trappings of wealth, replied, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
The rich young ruler nodded in affirmation, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth."
Jesus, looking at him with deep love, recognized the inner struggle within the young man. He said, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." The young ruler's face fell, and he left with a heavy heart. His great wealth had become a stumbling block, and he couldn't part with it. Jesus watched him go, a sense of sadness in His eyes and then turned to His disciples.
The Men Who Embraced the Cross
In stark contrast to the rich young ruler, the disciples had made a life-altering decision to follow Jesus. They were a diverse group, hailing from various walks of life, but they shared one commonality: their hearts were stirred by the compelling call of Jesus to be His disciples.
One day, as they were casting their fishing nets into the Sea of Galilee, Jesus came to them and said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." It was a simple yet profound invitation. Without hesitation, they left their nets and boats behind, leaving everything familiar and comfortable, and followed Him.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen by trade, abandoned their livelihoods. Matthew, a tax collector, left his lucrative tax booth. They didn't fully understand where this journey would lead them, but they had witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings, and their faith propelled them forward.
As they traveled alongside Jesus, they witnessed healings, the feeding of thousands with a few loaves and fish, and the calming of storms. They also saw the deep compassion and love that radiated from Him. They came to understand that following Jesus wasn't just a physical journey but a spiritual one—a journey of transformation.
Deny Yourself
Denying oneself does not mean self-neglect or self-deprecation. Instead, it calls for a deliberate and intentional shift in focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. It's about surrendering the reins of one's life to a higher authority and acknowledging that our human desires and ambitions should align with God's will.
In practical terms, denying oneself means making choices that prioritize God's commands and the well-being of others over our own interests. It's about recognizing the limitations of our understanding and yielding to the infinite wisdom of God. This process often involves letting go of our pride, our need for control, and our attachment to material possessions.
Denying oneself can be especially challenging in a world that often promotes self-indulgence, self-promotion, and self-gratification. It requires constant self-examination and a commitment to living a life of humility and service. It compels us to confront our weaknesses and acknowledge our need for God's grace and guidance.
Furthermore, denying oneself is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. It's a daily decision to seek God's will in every aspect of life, from relationships and career choices to moral decisions and personal goals. It means actively seeking to conform our hearts and minds to the image of Christ.
Ultimately, denying oneself leads to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God. It opens the door to a life of purpose, where we find fulfillment not in the pursuit of worldly pleasures but in the knowledge that we are living in alignment with God's plan for our lives. It allows us to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace, which enables us to love others selflessly and serve them with a heart full of compassion.
Take Up Your Cross
Every individual's cross is unique. Life, with its myriad of challenges, presents each of us with our own set of burdens to bear. These burdens may include health issues, personal struggles, difficult relationships, or financial hardships. Just as Christ bore His cross, we too are called to carry the weight of our circumstances and trials with faith, resilience, and trust in God's plan.
It's crucial to understand that the concept of taking up our cross isn't solely about enduring suffering; it's about embracing our life's purpose and mission with unwavering dedication. The cross represents not just suffering but also redemption, salvation, and a profound transformation of the human spirit.
When we take up our cross, we follow in the footsteps of Christ. We acknowledge that our faith journey may involve sacrifices and challenges, but it's through these trials that we grow spiritually. The cross symbolizes our willingness to submit to God's will, even when it leads us through the valley of suffering and uncertainty.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul's experience offers a powerful illustration of this concept. He speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent challenge or difficulty that plagued him. Despite his fervent prayers for its removal, God did not grant his request. Instead, God told him,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV).
Paul learned that his thorn in the flesh served as a reminder of his dependence on God's grace and strength. This revelation highlights a crucial aspect of taking up our cross: it deepens our reliance on God. When we face difficulties that seem insurmountable, we are compelled to turn to God in faith and trust. Our struggles become opportunities for God to display His power and grace in our lives, ultimately strengthening our relationship with Him.
Discipleship
Discipleship goes beyond mere acknowledgment of faith; it involves an unwavering dedication to following Christ's teachings, example, and mission. It's a lifelong pursuit of becoming more like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.
One of the key aspects of living a life of discipleship is daily surrender. It's about yielding our own desires, ambitions, and plans to God's will. It requires us to echo the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but Yours be done." This surrender is not a one-time event but a continual choice, shaping every aspect of our lives.
Discipleship also demands selflessness. It encourages us to prioritize serving others over self-serving pursuits. It's about embodying the humility of Christ, who washed His disciples' feet as an act of love and service. In this selflessness, we discover the profound joy that comes from being Christ's hands and feet in a broken world.
Living as a disciple means pursuing a life of holiness. It involves striving for moral and spiritual purity, seeking to align our character with Christ's perfect example. It's an ongoing process of growth and transformation, with the Holy Spirit as our guide and source of strength.
Discipleship is marked by a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer and the study of His Word. It's about nurturing that relationship and allowing it to shape our decisions, values, and priorities. As disciples, we are called to "abide in Christ" continually, finding our sustenance and purpose in Him.
Furthermore, discipleship compels us to embrace a life of faith and trust in God's providence. It means not relying solely on our own understanding but acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom. Even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, we trust that God is working all things for our good.
Living as a disciple is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives within a community of believers who support, encourage, and hold one another accountable. This community provides a safe space for growth, learning, and mutual edification.
Uncompromised Faith
In today's counter-cultural landscape, taking up one's cross as a Christian holds a profound significance. It is a call to live an uncompromised Christian life, one that stands in stark contrast to the prevailing values and norms of the world. This commitment requires unwavering dedication, resilience, and a steadfast faith in the face of societal pressures and opposition.
In a world where individualism, materialism, and self-gratification often take center stage, embracing the cross means prioritizing faith, service, and selflessness. It means placing the teachings of Jesus Christ above the allure of worldly pursuits and popular trends. It's a courageous declaration that one's allegiance is to a higher authority, God, and His Kingdom, rather than conforming to the ever-shifting standards of culture.
Taking up the cross involves a willingness to endure challenges, criticism, and even persecution for the sake of one's faith. It's a commitment to remain true to Christian values, even when they clash with the prevailing cultural ideologies. It means living a life of integrity and moral clarity, regardless of the prevailing relativism that often pervades society.
Living an uncompromised Christian life in today's counter-culture also calls for a deep understanding of one's identity in Christ. It requires recognizing that our worth and purpose are not determined by societal approval but by our relationship with God. This realization empowers believers to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and humility, trusting that their true identity is found in Christ alone.
Furthermore, taking up the cross involves actively seeking to make a positive impact on the world. It's about being a light in the darkness, showing love, compassion, and grace to those who are lost or hurting. It's an invitation to live out the Great Commission, sharing the message of salvation with boldness and conviction.
In a culture that often celebrates compromise and conformity, taking up the cross is a countercultural act of courage and conviction. It is a declaration that, as Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of the world, living out our faith with unwavering commitment and a deep sense of purpose.
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