“Our Savior, Jesus Christ, left no reason for doubt as to His feelings regarding those who are unwilling to bear the cross and follow Him. He said, “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”[i]. A cross can be a strength in helping us find the real purpose of life and its meaning. Particularly is this true if we not only carry our cross but also share the burdens of others, as we lose our lives in serving and lifting others. If we want to be His disciples, we must bear His cross and be near Him, for He said, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”[ii] Bearing the cross and coming after Him makes it possible for us to be one with Him.
Crosses have many configurations… All require strength if they are to be carried appropriately. We cannot always unburden ourselves of the cross we have been given, but we can rid ourselves of the weight we need not carry.
Some crosses are self-inflicted; some we unknowingly place on ourselves. Oftentimes a cross, even though it is heavy, is allowed to become comfortable. With proper attitude and commitment, such crosses can be lifted.” ~Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased) from ‘Be of Good Cheer’ 1987 pg 98-99
Christ has all the answers and is willing to carry our burdens with us when our own mindset is friendly to His assistance and purposes. Should I picture Him assisting me with my cross / load when I complain… preoccupied with ‘why I should have it’? At times I may feel I carry it totally alone. Then I remember Christ who carried the heaviest burden of all, felt forsaken by His Father on the cross (though, no doubt, Heavenly Father was very close!)
When I feel distant from Heavenly Father, I typically don’t have to look very far to see where I have moved away from Him. Also, though close, His seeming ‘distance’ may be a way of tempering me and increasing my faith. kdm
