When we hear the words, “take up your cross,” we often think of personal suffering, the kind of burdens and hardships that we endure in life. While there’s a degree of truth to that, what if the meaning is even more profound? What if, in taking up our cross, we are actually helping to lighten the load that Jesus carried for us all?
Think about the weight of every sin ever committed….. past, present, and future. That was the crushing burden Jesus bore on the cross. But through our faith and actions, we can actively participate in reducing that weight.
Every time we choose to say no to sin, we are effectively taking a piece of that weight off of Him. The temptation to gossip, to harbor anger, or to be selfish is a heavy thing. When we resist it, we’re not just helping ourselves; we’re honoring the sacrifice He made.
And what about the sins we have already committed? Through sincere repentance, that weight is lifted completely. It’s a powerful act of partnership. We acknowledge our wrongdoing, and He offers forgiveness, freeing both us and His cross from that specific burden.
This isn’t about earning our salvation. That part was settled on the cross. This is about being active participants in a life of faith. We do this through the very disciplines He taught us:
Reading His Word: Immersing ourselves in scripture strengthens our resolve and guides our choices.
Prayer and Fasting: These practices humble us and bring us closer to God’s will, not our own.
  Fellowship: Surrounding ourselves with other believers provides support and accountability, helping us stay on the path.
Sunday worship: in this light, is not just a routine. This is a vital act of spiritual nourishment. We gather to be led by a pastor who ministers to our very human needs for comfort, affirmation, and love. They are assigned to help us carry our portion of the cross, and in doing so, we are all collectively helping to lighten His.
So, the next time you think of “taking up your cross,” consider it less of a solo burden and more of a shared mission. With every righteous choice and every act of repentance, you are actively helping to lighten the load He so willingly carried for you. What a beautiful and humbling way to follow Him.