Cross-carrying accompanies faith shining
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14: 27)
“Carry their cross” is another way to explain The First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Cross-carrying is what happens when you let your light shine and let the world know you are one of God’s children. You may suffer because of it, but it is faith’s nature to shine.
Ages ago there was a nobleman in a European mountain village who wanted to leave a legacy to the townspeople. He decided his legacy would be to build a church. It was a good decision.
While the church was being planned and built, no one could look at it. On the day of dedication, the townspeople came in. They looked around and it was magnificent.
Someone observed, “It’s dark in here! Where are the lights?” The nobleman pointed to the brackets on the wall. He gave each family a lantern and said, “Each time you come here, the place you are seated in will be lit. When you are not here, some part of God’s house will be dark.”
Similarly, we have each been given a light – the light of faith. When we live a life of faith, we let our lights shine no matter where we are. If we do not let our light shine, every place we go will be a little bit darker. Pray out loud at your meal, not just at home but also at the restaurant. Your cross may be patrons’ looks of disapproval.
Jesus’ love for us shines on the cross. His love for others shines through us.
Prayer: Jesus, we praise you for showing your love for us by carrying our cross. Your cross paid for all the times we have chosen to hide our light in order to avoid bearing the cross of insult. Though the darkness will hate the light, may your forgiveness lead us to shine bright in dark places. Amen.