How to Live a Surrendered Life: What Jesus Meant by Taking Up Your Cross

The Call to Pick Up Your Cross

If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to pick up your cross. These days, we don’t often hear of the crucified life, a life surrendered to God and for His glory. Here’s what Jesus said:

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. “ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” - Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)

What does it mean to pick up your cross, to deny yourself?

Firstly, we must establish this truth: misery is not holiness. Some believe that carrying their cross means enjoying nothing, having nothing, and embracing pain for the sake of pain. Granted, the cross brings pain. But pain for pain’s sake isn’t the goal. We don’t seek misery just to prove loyalty to God. Many sacrifice joys God never asked them to sacrifice, but the crucified life is not about chasing pain.

How to Live a Crucified Life

The crucified life is simply one of surrender. To carry your cross means to do God’s will even when it costs you. But in living this way, we experience joy, not misery. The pain of the cross always brings forth the joy and the glory of the resurrection. The crucified life is not miserable religion; it is a life of joy, peace, and the abundant life of Christ.

Do God’s will, even when His will contradicts your will. Obey God’s voice, even when you don’t understand what He’s doing. Yield to God’s Word, even when it demands you change or give up certain pleasures. Simple surrender, with no religious burden added - that’s the crucified life. 

If you’re ready to fully surrender control to God, watch my teaching "You Could Be Closer to God, But You Need to Stop Having Control" on YouTube by clicking here.

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