Daily Affirmations - Day 1 - Carrying The Cross: More Than A Show
This week's Theme: Carrying The Cross
Day 1: More than a show
Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
"Living off the grid," is a term that has become popular over the last several years, as articles, television shows, and other media have placed the spotlight on lifestyles without modern technology or modern conveniences.
A lifestyle different from the furious and often overwhelming pace of today's world holds appeal for several reasons. For many, the perception of a much simpler, uncomplicated life presents an alluring alternative to the fever and frenzy of post-modern existence.
Others see the minimalist ways of yesteryear as critical skill-building lessons in preparation for eventual catastrophe. And for still others, curiosity, intrigue, nostalgia, and sentimentality about "the old days" have been fueled and nurtured by factual or fictional accounts from various media.
Undoubtedly, many serious, admirable, and well-intentioned reasons exist among the myriad motivations for "living off the grid." At the same time, I believe that a type of misplaced sentimentality can occur when hardship is viewed as an "optional reality" — an abstract construct tinted by entertainment.
In my own experience, it isn't that long a way back to the adjustments and inconveniences of a rural community where running water didn't make it to the farthest end of my village. And continuing today, the harsh realities of everyday life for those all over the world unable to access or afford modern technology or modern conveniences is hardly a quirky option with a catchy title.
In some ways, I believe that the cross of Jesus Christ can sometimes be seem through the same haze of sentimentality and abstraction. Time and distance— as well as modern cultural sensibilities vastly removed from the cruelty, curse, and shame of crucifixion (Mark 15:16-32, Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 12:2)— have dulled our understanding of the cross as a ruthless instrument of torture and a symbol of terrible stigma.
Today, people wear crosses as jewelry— visible symbols of their beliefs. And while this practice itself is not a point of criticism, Jesus Himself has shown us the appropriate approach to outward manifestations of our faith.
The Lord made it clear that symbols, practices, and external demonstrations have no value except when they are supported by actions that show a sincere commitment to the beliefs we profess. Jesus placed the emphasis on spontaneous overflow from true hearts into outward signs of faith.
He once told the religious elite of His day, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (Matthew 23:23 - emphasis added).
He continued to use very strong language and vivid metaphors to denounce the hypocrisy of mere outward show ( (Matthew 23:25-28).
In light of this corrective teaching, how would Jesus view our modern-day portrayal of the cross? Would He chide us for viewing it through the lens of misplaced sentimentality? Remind us that the sacrifice it represents is the greatest ever known— the greatest that will ever be known in all of time and history? Show us how dreadfully it is dishonored when it is diminished to mere trinkets, amulets, charms, or mythical ornaments?
Would Jesus have occasion to expose in us hidden motives to impress people by means of the flesh (Galatians 6:12)? To goad, bait, or taunt those we perceive as "enemies?"
The cross does not simply represent some distant event we commemorate with pious symbols and remembrances. It has very real and practical relevance to our lives today. Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
The implications are enormous. The hardships of a life of faith are not a quirky choice based on nostalgia or tame sentimentality. It is a mandate from the Savior to carry the cross— to follow in His steps— even as His steps veer towards the Via Dolorosa.
The cross is neither trivial nor superficial. It is not a weapon of our politics or our human philosophies. It is not an adornment for our religion. It is much more than a "show."
God forbid that we should be denounced as hypocrites for treating with contempt the cross of Christ. God forbid that we should despise by our actions "the emblem of suffering and shame," for our sin and guilt.
God forbid that [we] should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto [us], and [we] unto the world (Galatians 6:14).
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