"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23
The cross is a brutal symbol of the inevitable necessity of suffering in the Christian life. In this verse the suffering is self-inflicted, for the cross mentioned here involves the suppressing, blocking and stopping the sinful tendencies that are still within the breast of every converted Christian.
Even though we followers of Christ are quite saved, the "old man of sin" still exists in all our hearts, and it desperately wants to take charge of our lives. Ephesians 4:22-24 This we cannot allow, since that would be the path of eventual self-destruction, so that is why Jesus gives us the command that we must do the very painful work of "crucifying self" on a daily basis.
Does this mean the Christian life is supposed to be an endless round of daily sufferings? No, not at all! Although it is true that this "crucifying of self" can be very painful as we are forced to confront the still lingering evil within our sin-damaged hearts and minds, Isaiah 1:5,6 the purpose of taking up our "daily cross" is to enjoy the much greater power, blessing, authority and accomplishment of our "daily resurrections!"
The cross experience only has value and purpose in the life of a Christian when it is followed by the very powerful resurrection experience! If you will do the daily, painful work of blocking your natural, sin-bent desires, you will receive in its place a most wonderful resurrection in your life, as Paul loudly and gladly testifies:
"To this end I labor, struggling with all [Christ's] energy, which so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:29
So, if your Christian experience has been a constant calling to "take up your cross," rejoice that when you do so, you will receive something for your troubles that is far superior to any inconvenience, discomfort or unpleasantry your struggle against your old self might bring. For every cross you bear, you receive a powerful resurrection!
