What It Really Means
Luke 9:23 (NLT) – “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’”
When I was a new believer, I came across this verse in the bible. And it challenged me. I thought, now that I have a relationship with Jesus, my life was going to be smooth sailing. Anytime, I faced trouble, I could boldly call out for help, and Jesus would come to my rescue. After all, I did read scriptures like “Whatsoever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it shall be yours”, and “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do”.
Therefore, I was super excited that I could ask my God, the Father, anything in Jesus name, and that it would be answered. But that’s not how it turned out. I was silly and immature. I have since walked a fairly long distance with the Lord and know better. I will cover these verses in another post, but for now, I will focus on picking up your cross.
When Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow Me,” He wasn’t talking about wearing a gold cross necklace or simply enduring life’s hardships. He was calling His followers to make a conscious, daily decision—to die to self and live fully for Him. That sounds intense, but it’s the only path to real freedom, peace, and purpose. Many Christians believe in Christ, attend church, worship, but fail to see the true power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They fail to experience the true peace of walking with Jesus. This is perhaps because they have failed to pick up their cross daily.
What Does “Pick Up Your Cross” Really Mean?
In Jesus’ day, the cross was a symbol of death—a brutal form of Roman execution. So when He told His disciples to take up their cross, they knew He meant dying to self. It’s about surrendering your personal desires, pride, selfish ambitions, and anything that competes with God’s will for your life.
It means saying: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Picking up your cross isn’t a one-time decision. Jesus clearly said “daily”. That means every morning, we consciously choose to follow Christ—not just when it’s easy, popular, or comfortable.
Everyday is a battle. A battle between our worldly desires and God’s will for us. It is God’s will for us to experience abundant life. A life full of purpose, joy, peace, and fulfillment. But that is only possible when we go all out to be led by the Holy Spirit. We cannot have one leg in the world and the other leg in God’s Kingdom and try to experience all of God’s Kingdom. We have to turn our backs on one or the other. Turn your back on God’s Kingdom and you can experience all the fleeting sinful pleasures of the world which leads to death, OR you can turn your back on the world and you can experience all the blessings of God’s Kingdom which leads to eternal life.
Why Did Jesus Say This?
Jesus wasn’t trying to scare people away. He was setting expectations. He didn’t promise an easy life; He promised a meaningful one.
Following Jesus means we’re walking against the current of the world. That’s not easy—but it’s worth it. And Jesus modeled it first: He literally carried His cross and laid down His life for our salvation. He calls us to do the same—not on a literal wooden cross, but by dying to our sinful nature.
So what does this look like in your daily life?
1. Choosing Forgiveness Over Bitterness
Maybe someone hurt you deeply. Everything in you wants to cut them off or get even. But picking up your cross means choosing forgiveness, even if it costs your pride—because that’s what Jesus did for you.
2. Purity in a Sex-Obsessed World
Whether you’re single or married, we’re surrounded by media and messages that normalize lust and impurity. It is really hard to find any movie on Netflix or other popular platforms which does not normalize immorality. Picking up your cross daily means avoiding certain movies, deleting certain apps, or setting boundaries in relationships.
3. Being Honest When a Lie Would Be Easier
At work or school, a small lie could save you from embarrassment or trouble. Sometimes, exaggerating a story may make you look cool and popular. But picking up your cross means choosing integrity, even if it costs you your reputation or convenience.
4. Generosity Instead of Self-Indulgence
We all want more—nicer homes, newer cars, the next gadget. But dying to self means using your resources to bless others, support missions, or help the poor—and maintaining a simple lifestyle. A simple and comfortable home to live in, a decent transportation, enough food and enough money to pay our bills with some extra regular savings is sufficient. When we are generous with the resources God has given us, He will ensure we lack nothing. My family and I are testimony to it. We have never lacked anything thus far. In fact, we are more blessed than we have ever been since we started following Christ.
5. Standing for Truth in a World That Cancels It
Speaking biblical truth about morals, marriage, life, or salvation may get you labeled, mocked, or rejected. Picking up your cross means loving people while not compromising on God’s Word.
The Cross Brings Real Life
Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Here’s the mystery of the cross: when you die to self, you actually find life. It seems upside down, but it’s the Kingdom way. You exchange anxiety for peace. Emptiness for joy. Temporary thrills for eternal rewards.
When we say “no” to the flesh, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. We become more like Jesus—and that’s the goal.
Be Boldly Different—Because You Belong to a Different Kingdom
In a world that screams, “Live for yourself!”, Jesus whispers, “Die to yourself.” And in that surrender, you find power. You find identity. You find purpose.
Picking up your cross daily isn’t about religion—it’s about relationship. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about walking in step with the Spirit. It’s a bold, counter-cultural choice to be different… because you belong to God’s Kingdom.
You don’t carry your cross alone. Jesus walks with you. His Spirit strengthens you. His grace empowers you. And His reward is worth every sacrifice.
So tomorrow morning, when you wake up, don’t just go through the motions. Pause. Remember the cross. And choose to walk the narrow path. Pick up your cross. Follow Jesus. And truly live.