Didn't this used to be a lot easier?
(Dude, want some whine with those laps, Kurt?)
Have you heard that before, somethin' like.. “My heartless boss is my cross to bear.”
I think he or she is simply your heartless boss.
What does it actually mean for us when Jesus says to: Take up our cross and follow Him?
First, it means to deny ourselves. That means saying no to ourselves. It means saying no to our old fleshly nature and to put God’s will above our own.
"Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’" Matthew 16:24-26 esv
If God asks us to do something or not to do something, that means that we humans of course have the free will to accept it or reject doing it. He gave us this free will. Like that.
When God commands us to do something (we call these commands like to “love one another” etc. the claims of Christ ..and since His is Lord of all He is totally in order to direct us as He pleases. God knows what’s best for us and for everyone.)
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
We live in such a self-centered world.. and this is hard to do (we need the Lord daily to help us), but it’s so worth it!
Does it have to do with abandonment to the desires of the world and simply clinging to Christ as Lord of all? Sure. Who are the three enemies of your soul. This corrupt world system, your old fleshly nature and Mr. Lu-Cifer and his gang (I mean Satan and other creepy fallen angels).
Don’t be afraid to submit to Christ’s Lordship, and resist the devil. God has a good plan for you. He’s stronger and in control. He loves you dearly. Simply look to Him (read your Bible and pray earnestly) as your ultimate guide everyday. The joy you’re looking for doesn’t come from a holiday like say Christmas; it comes from a relationship with Christ and obeying His word. Sure, takes some trust. His JOY arrives in the AM but seems to last all the day long!
“..You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:3-5 Fish4souls.org
