InStep, Take Up the Cross

Summary

True obedience to Jesus will often lead us in a direction opposite to our own desires, making life harder and leading us through difficulty rather than abundance. Jesus explicitly states that following him means taking up a cross, not simply adopting his teachings or moral code or pursuing personal comfort. The core takeaway is not to seek an easier path or "best life now," but to be ready and willing to sacrifice and follow Christ even when it's challenging.