Carry the Cross

Last night my wife took our two youngest to their first baseball practices. The boys were excited, they’d been anticipating getting together with their new teams. By all accounts, Bash had the most energy, even doing Captain Kirk’s signature battle rolls (watch the original Star Trek for reference) as he ran up to each new position he was going to, whereas Toby was more serious, more solemn, displaying resolve and maturity that he hadn’t had before. It was really cool to hear the boys and their mom talk about their excitement. This morning, though, as we got into our Bible Study, I saw an excitement and resolve that made me even more happy. As we read about Jesus talking of His own impending death and calling all disciples to deny themselves and pick up their crosses to follow Him, the boys talked about their faith in Christ, and how He wants them to be good followers. We talked about denying ourselves, picking up our crosses, and following Jesus.

Loved ones, the things of this life are temporary. The Lord knows I can’t do a Captain Kirk battle roll any more than I could still play ball the way I did at 7, or 14, or even 30. But I grow in wisdom and knowledge of Christ as I dive into His word, seek Him in prayer, and walk with Him daily, and I CAN pass that on, to my wife, kids, and others. And THAT is more lasting than a sports team. That is what brings them into eternity: introducing them to Christ, and letting HIM be the Lord of their life. We get so caught up in the cares of this life, but it is only by being a born-again Child of God that we can do anything at all. And to be born again, we must take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus. That’s what Baptism is all about: crucifying our flesh, being buried with Christ, and rising in Him a new creation. We enact the Gospel in that act, and every day as we continue to carry that cross and die daily.

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave iti to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.