I’ve been reflecting this week on how often I abstract “bearing the cross” from the Cross of Jesus.
We can talk about marriage as “martyrdom” – laying down your life for your wife (or your husband).
But the longer we talk about that, the more we start to focus on the benefit – the reward – that we really want (namely, a wife – or husband – that pleases us!). And so “bearing the cross” becomes religious code for “how to manipulate my wife.”
I find myself constantly struggling to remember that the Cross of Jesus is not about how to get what I want! Taking up my cross always means following Jesus – being reoriented to his priorities – his kingdom – his righteousness. The reward that Jesus promises is not that your wife will love you! In fact, Jesus says that he has come not to bring peace to the earth – but a sword! Following Jesus may well result in the hatred of your wife, your family, and society!
There is a reward! There is the best of all possible rewards: Jesus himself! And if God has been so gracious as to give you a spouse who thinks that Jesus is the most awesome reward imaginable – then you can take up your cross and follow him together.
But if your spouse matters more to you than Jesus? Then you are not worthy of Jesus!
Yeah, I know. That’s easy to say – but it’s hard to hear.
So let’s work through this chapter together and hear what Jesus is saying to us.
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