Pastor's Corner

for Sunday July 5th
Everyone has a cross to carry.
Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me.” The word “cross” in this sentence is what usually gets our attention because of its ominous implications. Does it involve suffering? Or sacrifice? What exactly am I getting myself into here? I want to focus on the word “your” in that sentence. Why does Jesus say “your cross”? First, the word implies that everyone has a cross. There is no one out there who doesn’t have hardship and struggles in their life. “The grass is always greener on the other side” is an old, yet true saying. Other people’s lives look easy, but we’re forgetting that everyone has a cross to carry. If you’re asking God why your life is hard and their life is easy, He would probably tell us that “They have their cross to carry and you have yours, stop worrying about theirs and pick yours up and follow me.” Also, this word “your” reminds me that it is my personal cross. I believe that each one of us has a cross that is crafted by God especially for us; one that is specially tailored to shape us into the image of Jesus. So when I look at someone else’s life and think that their life is so much easier I am reminded that I probably couldn’t carry their cross and neither are they able to carry mine. So trust God that the cross you carry, though heavy at times, is one that you can carry. Remember too, if you follow Jesus you can’t leave your cross behind, it’s a part of who you are and it’s a part of being His disciple, so carry it in faith and carry it with joy.
Pastor Don.