Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

What do you think of when you read this verse?

Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

That was such a compelling moment for this man called Simon, to bear the Lord’s cross for Him as he staggered on His way to Golgotha. I know I have thought of it at times. However Matthew 10:38 asks us to bear our own cross, not His. His cross was a work of God none of us can duplicate. His cross saved us from our sins once and for all time. Bearing my cross is not about saving me from my own sins, which has already been done. So, what is the purpose behind bearing my cross?

I can look at it in two ways. The first is to crucify my flesh. That is a painful process much as the cross was painful. Noble as that sounds the Lord did not crucify His own flesh, the Romans did that for Him.

The second way I look at this seems more in line with my Lord’s actions. Since He has identified following Him as a worthy effort, and I cannot sacrifice my sins, what did He do that I might be able to follow in His example?

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

No matter what I want, no matter what I pray for, I can do the will of my Abba Father. To do that, in obedience of faith, I will need my own cross. If there is not some element of effort on my part which reminds me that God is at work, then my effort comes from the comfort of self-will.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

My Cross is not a burden but rather a reminder of whom I serve.

Colossians 2

¹⁸ Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

¹⁹ And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

²⁰ Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

²¹ (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

²² Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

²³ Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

At this point there are some who need no explanation. Others will ask, “What’s your point?” If I try and use this moment to teach, not having a gift of teaching, some would say, “You didn’t present the subject plainly.” There will be yet another valid observation; “What does this have to do with me?”

If we as believers in Christ, hold the Head as seen as necessary in verse 19, then each will have his own question answered. Such is the ability of God to reach each of us where we are in any moment of our life. He brings to each part that which is needed for that part.

My point is this, and it is my point, not yours. I would starve if I ate a large meal once in my life and never ate again. My soul would starve in the same manner if I read the bible once in my life. Nourishment to my soul requires a good steady diet for growth in Christ, first as an individual and then as a member of the body of Christ.