As the Holy Word of the Lord tells us, in order to know God and become His children and partakers of the great crown of life, we must carry our crosses and follow our Lord, who also suffered on the cross for our sins.
We must recognize that this fight is not easy, but it is good that you know that you are not alone in this fight, God is by your side helping you at every moment, so do not be afraid, take up your cross, follow the Lord and the Lord will give you new strength so that you can succeed.
To be worthy of the glory of God, to be close to the Lord, you must do the following:
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:38
In this writing, we can see what Jesus clearly told the twelve apostles, that they would have many difficulties, but that is why they should not love these things, because many would rise up against them and even their own relatives would be against them.
That is why the Master tells them that to be worthy of Him, they must take up their cross and follow Him, because He also stripped Himself of everything and came into the world and gave everything for the salvation of humanity.
It is time to pay the price for following Christ. This path is not easy as many paint it. So, we invite you today to take up your cross and follow the Master, so that you can be deserving and heir of this great crown of life.
Taking up the cross does not only refer to physical suffering, but to a daily commitment to live according to the will of God. It means denying ourselves, putting aside selfish desires, pride, and everything that distances us from the holiness that the Lord demands of His children. This call is not popular in the world, because it goes against human logic, but it is precisely the path that leads to true life.
Many believers think that following Christ guarantees an easy life, free from problems and pain. However, Scripture teaches us otherwise. The life of faith is full of challenges, trials, and moments when we must stand firm even when everything seems to be against us. Carrying the cross is accepting that following Jesus may bring rejection, misunderstanding, and sacrifice, but also brings spiritual growth and eternal reward.
Jesus Himself is our greatest example. He did not promise comfort, but He did promise His presence. He walked the path of suffering with obedience and humility, trusting fully in the Father. When we look at His sacrifice, we understand that our own crosses, no matter how heavy they may seem, cannot compare to what He endured out of love for humanity.
For the apostles, this message was very clear. They would face persecution, imprisonment, and even death for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, none of these things stopped them, because they understood that the glory to come was far greater than the sufferings of this present time. They embraced the call, knowing that God was faithful and would strengthen them until the end.
In the same way, today the Lord continues to call us to a life of commitment and faithfulness. Carrying the cross also means remaining faithful in prayer, persevering in obedience, and trusting God even when answers do not come immediately. It is choosing righteousness over convenience and truth over popularity.
When we decide to follow Christ with sincerity, God renews our strength. He gives us peace in the midst of trials and hope in moments of despair. The cross, although painful, becomes a tool that shapes our character and draws us closer to the heart of God.
Therefore, let us not be discouraged by the difficulties of the journey. Let us remember that we do not walk alone. The Lord walks with us, sustains us, and prepares for us an eternal reward. Taking up our cross and following Him is the path that leads to life, salvation, and the glorious crown promised to those who remain faithful until the end.