30 September 2026
Today’s entry may take a more devotional form. The question that I want an initial answer is: What does it mean to “take up your cross and follow me”? (Matthew 16:24).
I was doing an independent study in 1 Thessalonians yesterday and I came across the word imitator. For context, the verse was:
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Some historical background 🙂
1 Thessalonians was a letter that Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, a city of Greece. In this letter, Paul compliments the people of Thessalonica on their faith and gives directions for how followers of Jesus should live-with faith,love, and hope. This reminds me of the fruits of the Spirit, which may become a later entry. Stay tuned!!!
When I first read this verse, I did not initially know what imitator means. I looked it up on the Blue Letter Bible website and an imitator is a follower. Not only is an imitator a follower but also a person who copies the actions, behaviors or speech of another. Therefore, as followers of Jesus, we should become shaped by His actions and behaviors. I also learned that imitator is often accompanied by the verb ginomai, which means “to be/become”. I also wanted to understand the Bible more as a whole and so I went to a website called open Bible info where they provide other verses that relate to the one you are currently studying. I’ll attach the link down below if you’re interested.
So, what does this have to do with taking up my cross? If being an imitator of Christ means becoming more like Him, then taking up my cross cannot simply mean calling myself a Christian. It means allowing my life to be shaped by Jesus—even when following Him is difficult, uncomfortable, or requires sacrifice.
Taking up our cross means that we should be willing to place ourselves in new and potentially uncomfortable situations for the sake of advancing God’s kingdom. This may seem easier said than done. I definitely feel this way. It can be hard to surrender everything and follow him.
Some questions to think about for self-examination:
- Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your closest friends?
- Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
- Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your reputation?
- Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
- Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?
In short: Are you willing to take up your cross? If faced with a choice-Jesus or the comforts of this life-which will you choose?
Taking up our cross means denying ourselves and being in the world and not of it.