Mark 8:34-35 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it.”

Jesus was issuing an invitation to discipleship while at the same time outlining the “conditions of service” for “anyone” accepting it. Following Jesus has always been a choice. Everyone within the sound of his voice was being called, but not everyone would respond. Those who would respond needed to understand that there would be a cost involved – perhaps their very lives. That prospect always exists but, for the time being at least, most of us do not face that extreme cost. Nevertheless we are called by the Holy Spirit within us to daily deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Christ.

In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Colossi: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” There is nothing on earth that is worth missing heaven for!  So Paul spells out for us how to begin making the transition: “Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” There is no wooden cross for us to take up, but we must actively reject conduct which does not glorify our Lord – anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lies. Instead we are called to practice behaviors which exalt His name – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. These traits will often call for denial of self in order to achieve unity in the body of Christ. Paul challenges us further to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to love and share the word of Christ, bask in melodious praise and thanksgiving to God, doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. A taste heaven even now! The way of the cross leads home.