'Take Up Your Cross' - Mark 8:34

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, [Jesus] said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."

—Mark 8:34 NLT

Key Thought​

For Jesus' faithful followers, the cross is not a piece of jewelry or even a symbol; it is a lifestyle. It is the willingness to follow Jesus in every way — including the way of the cross. For us to do that, we must surrender our selfishness and lay down our lives for the needs of others. We must have unflinching loyalty to God no matter the cost. More than just a burden to bear, "our cross to bear" is a total "buy-in" to the life, character, and way of Jesus.

Today's Prayer​

O Father, form me more perfectly into the nature, character, and lifestyle of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Philippians 2:5-11
• John 15:9-13
• 1 John 4:9-10

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[Jurgen]

Amen. God is calling all of us to follow Him, taking our cross and find blessings in everything we do and say.