The Daily Dose #0125
Are You Picking Up Your Cross?
We Christians are terrible at holding up Christian martyrs and think, "I am not doing all I can if I am not doing what they did." Be honest, deep down you have had these thoughts. It is absolute hogwash. Obedience to Christ is often mundane and therefore requires courage, especially when following Him means going against our own desires. When you follow Christ you surrender your desires, fears, and your life to His will. Another day at work? In the same situation as this time last year? Home life mundane and non adventurous? Tired? Anxious? Not as happy as your neighbor? Same stuff different day...again? Take heart! Live joyfully and plow on.
Being bold in faith doesn't mean you'll be a martyr, but it does mean you will die to self, and be a living sacrifice. When you live boldly for Christ, you trust Him for where you are, and what He has placed in front of you to do. So trust him with what he has put in front of you, and give thanks for your lot in life. Stop kicking against Him, and embrace your cross.
What is something in your life that you need to put on the cross to die? Are fear or comfort holding you back? Ask Him for the courage to boldly stand and embrace the duties that He has given you.
"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
— Luke 14:27
Brief Biographical Summary
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German pastor and theologian who stood firm in his faith during the rise of Nazi Germany. He was part of the resistance against Adolf Hitler and was executed for his role in opposing tyranny.
Fun fact: Bonhoeffer wrote The Cost of Discipleship, a powerful book on what it means to truly follow Christ, while leading an underground seminary in Germany.
