Following Jesus was never meant to be a comfortable life decision to improve our happiness or reputation. It was — and still is — a call to surrender our lives completely to Him. Jesus does not soften the invitation:
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38, NIV)
In previous reflections, we have seen Jesus commission His followers to proclaim the Kingdom, rely on God’s provision, and act with bold obedience. Now, He takes us deeper. Discipleship is not simply about what we do — it is ultimately about what we are willing to die to.
What Does It Mean to Take Up Your Cross?
In Jesus’ time, the cross was not symbolic jewellery, a church decoration or a theological idea. It was an instrument of death. So when Jesus spoke these words, the crowd would have heard one message clearly:
To follow Jesus is to surrender our right to rule our own lives.
This does not always mean literal persecution or physical suffering, though Christians around the world still face that reality. But it always means denying oneself — laying down pride, ambition, and self-protection so that Christ can reign in us.
Taking up your cross is not a once‑in‑a‑lifetime spiritual moment; it is a daily posture. Jesus said, “take up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Every day we choose again who sits on the throne of our hearts — Christ or self.
Jesus Shows Us the Way
Before Jesus ever carried the cross to Golgotha, He carried the cross in Gethsemane.
“Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
That prayer is the heartbeat of true discipleship. He surrendered fully, joyfully, and trustingly. And because He obeyed, salvation came to the world.
If the Son of God walked the road of surrender, how could we expect to follow Him without doing the same?
Why This Call Matters
Jesus follows this teaching with a promise and a warning:
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
Trying to cling to comfort, reputation, control, or earthly security only leaves us empty. But when we lay it down for Jesus, we discover real life — the kind that cannot be taken away and will never decay.
Cross‑bearing is not punishment — it is participation in Christ’s life. It is where transformation happens. The Spirit chisels away selfish desires and forms Christ’s character in us. It is costly, yet glorious.
What Might This Look Like Today?
Taking up your cross may look like…
- Choosing obedience when it costs your comfort
- Forgiving when your flesh wants to hold a grudge
- Speaking truth with grace, even if it risks rejection
- Serving quietly without seeking recognition
- Giving sacrificially even when no one sees
- Saying “yes” to God when your emotions say “no”
In short, it is living for God’s will over our own — not reluctantly, but joyfully, because we have seen the worth of Christ.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us to follow You with courage and surrender. Break every form of self‑rule in us, and form Christ in our hearts. May we take up our cross daily with joy, knowing that life and glory await those who lose their life for Your sake. Amen.
The Kingdom does not advance through comfortable Christianity. It advances through surrendered disciples. And by His grace, that can be us.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Questions for Reflection
- What is your understanding of the cross we carry?
- How has your view of the cross changed over the years?
- What is your greatest challenge in carrying the cross, and what can you do to trust Jesus to help you?
Life With CD 
This is the very hard, but oh so glorious truth, clearly and earnestly expressed. Thanks as always, CD. I can recommend all your articles, I think, but this is one of the best.
Dear Chris – you’re a blessing anyway, but this comment really blessed me tremendously.. Thank you so much, sir.