The Cross Before the Crown

Being a Christian is not easy, but it's worth it. As Christians, we are called to die unto ourselves and pick up our daily cross. In order to accomplish this, there needs to be absolute surrender to God. We need to put to death our own plans and commit ourselves to the plans of our Heavenly Father for the sake of the love that He represents.

It is hard and tiring laying down your life for others and for God especially in today's society, but it can add so much purpose and fulfillment to your life. Jesus laid his life down for all of us and He carried his cross and died on it. It wasn't until after this that he was declared the king of heaven. There was a cross before there was a crown.

We can apply this to our own experience by looking at the challenges we have in our lives. Sometimes it's in the form of persecution, discrimination, or oppression. For these challenges, you can look right back to the cross. If what you stand for is right and just, then you will prevail just as Jesus did. If it does not hold true on earth, then it will in heaven. Our challenges are sometimes physical and mental. The bible story that pops into my head here is when Paul experiences a thorn in his side. Just like in this story, God could be using these kinds of challenges for a reason in your life. Sometimes it helps to think about what those reasons might be.

A lot of times, God uses challenges to make us stronger and to draw us closer to Him. In the midst of our challenges it can be really difficult to see things this way, so sometimes taking a step back from the situation is beneficial. God never said that following him would be easy, but eternal life and radiating His love is worth it. Instead of focusing on the hardship of following the faith recall the benefits, focus on solutions to challenges, and learn how you can grow even if it means that you have to experience a few crosses before the crown.