Anabaptist Mennonites | Weekly Truth

19 May 2013 Travellers to Eternity As Christians, we have been called to walk in a narrow way. On this way, wild animals (1 Peter

5:8) and thorns are part of the environment, (Matthew 13:22) and you must climb a steep hill.

Our Lord Jesus, in Matthew 16:24, says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny him-self,

and take up his cross, and follow me." This verse, and many more, place much weight on the

importance and necessity of cross bearing for true believers of Christ.

When we look at various religions of the world, we say that they do not understand this. It is of

great importance to fully understand the meaning of the cross, because like the adage says, "No

cross, no crown." On the Last Day, we will exchange our cross for a crown!

It has been an encouragement to me that our loving Father, in His time, revealed the meaning of

the cross to me. The cross is the suffering of the flesh as a result of a heartfelt obedience to Christ,

His church, and His doctrine. Thereby we deny the de-sires and wishes of the flesh. Jesus

brought this suffering to light in Matthew 20:22-23, " . . . Are ye able to drink of the cup that I

shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? ... Ye shall drink

indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with ... "

Our Lord knew beforehand that the flesh must suffer for His cause and for the salvation of souls.

Indeed, the flesh will not have any part in God's kingdom. Therefore, let us be willing that it

should suffer. This is to be borne out of love. Many times, when the way appears to be dark and

the storms are raging, we may be tempted to lay down the cross. But because of love for Christ,

we are compelled to continue.

The fruit of cross bearing is witnessing for Christ, because we have received power from the

Holy Ghost. It has been said that one's character is arrived at by what he does, what other people

say about him, and what he says about others. Christians are a light to the world. Are we able to

shine in this dark world? A torch shines in darkness as long as there is power. In our

conversation, let us weigh carefully what we say, for our speech must be edifying.

Our Guide should always order our walk. We are an open book to be read by all in this world. How does your book and my book read? And we are His witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God hath given to them that obey Him. Acts 5:32 Courtesy: “The Messenger of Truth” Gospel Publishers Moundridge Kansas.