The Weight of Glory: What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?

​In a world that markets “living your best life now,” the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 strike a discordant note: 

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” 

Taking up the cross is not a suggestion for the “super-spiritual”; it is the non-negotiable job description of every believer. The cross is not a decorative piece of jewelry, but a daily instrument of surrender. If we seek a comfortable life, we must look toward eternity; here, we are called to the “blessed burden” of the cross.

​The Cross of Shame

​The cross was, first and foremost, an instrument of public execution and profound shame. In Hebrews 12:2, we read that Jesus 

“endured the cross, despising the shame.” 

To despise the shame means to look down upon it as insignificant compared to the glory ahead.

The cross has a particular shame attached to it, yet Jesus withstood it for the joy set before Him. When we suffer reproach, false accusations, or social dishonor for the name of Christ, we aren't just “bearing it”, rather, we are blessed. Jesus promises in Matthew 5:11-12 that our reward in heaven is great.

​The early disciples lived this paradox. In Acts 5:41, they left the council 

“rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” 

As Peter instructs us, we should not be ashamed of this suffering but rather 

“glorify God in that name” (1 Peter 4:16). 

Our willingness to endure public shame for the Gospel is often the very thing that draws the lost to Jesus.

​The Cross of Submission

​To carry the cross is to undergo a daily “will-transplant.” In Romans 15:3, Paul reminds us that 

“Christ did not please himself.” 

Even in the agony of Gethsemane, Jesus’ prayer was not for His own comfort, but for the Father’s will to be done.

We who are “strong” have an obligation to bear the failings of the weak rather than pleasing ourselves (Romans 15:1). This is the cross in action: choosing to set aside our preferences, our rights, and our comforts to serve others.

​The Cross of Service

​The Apostle Paul was a master of cross-bearing in his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:20–22, he explains his strategy: 

“I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 

This is the cross of submitting our cultural and personal comfort. It means throwing off our pleasing ways to become servants to the lost. Even our labor has a cross-shaped purpose. Paul instructs in Ephesians 4:28 that we should work not to amass wealth for ourselves, but 

“so that [we] may have something to share with anyone in need.” 

When we labor for the benefit of others’ salvation and survival, we are walking the way of the cross.

​The Cross of Obedience

​Finally, the cross is the ultimate act of obedience. Jesus stated clearly: 

“The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing” (John 5:19).

Consider the example of Moses in Hebrews 8:5, who was strictly instructed to build the tabernacle “according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 

We do not get to design our own version of Christianity. We follow the pattern of the Word. At Cana: Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” On the Lake: Peter, despite his professional instincts, cast the net where Jesus commanded. We too must learn to obey voluntarily.

Are We Prepared?

​The cross is a daily choice to carry shame for the Lord, to submit our will to the Father’s, and to live for the salvation of others. It is the path of a servant who listens for the Master’s voice above the world’s noise.

Those who will not carry the cross will never wear the crown. As we move forward, let us ask God for the strength to throw off our own will and comfort, so that in our “losing” of our lives, we might find them in Him.

For enduring reproach for Christ’s sake will give us great joy now and a great reward in heaven. By bearing with the weak and not pleasing ourselves, we fulfil the law of Christ. Through becoming all things to all people, we ensure salvation of the lost. And doing only what the Father commands is living in the pattern of heaven!