taking up a cross

Semantics. How we say things. We get in the habit of saying things sometimes without thinking about the real meaning.

Jesus said, "take up your cross." We say that we, "have a cross to bear." and "such and such is my cross to bear."

When we say this, we are commonly referring to various and random difficulty in this life. For example, "having a chronic disease is my cross to bear." "Having a wife that travels, is my cross to bear." "Having a bad knee is my cross to bear."

Having this problem at work, or a spouse that is non supportive, or the death of a friend, we often refer to such things as "our cross to bear."

Scripturaly, this is mis-speak. When Jesus spoke of a cross to bear, he was not referring to the common trials and tribulations of this life. What he was inferring is that every Christian should bear some difficulty for the sake of the kingdom. A cross to bear is some hardship that we endure because of, or to the benefit of our faith in Jesus.

With that definition, the number of us that are actually bearing a cross possibly just got much smaller. Are you inconvenienced for the sake of Christ? Persecuted for Him? Have you made a sacrifice for Him? Such are our crosses to bear for the sake of the kingdom.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.