All the Way the Savior Leads Me

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As I have previously inferred, I have felt compelled to involve myself in a new ministry; a rather unique ministry of sharing a myriad of teachings I have developed, involving leadership, servanthood, discipleship, etc., with local churches in my area.

Over the past several months I have attended a men’s book study group sponsored by a nearby congregation. While one of my dearest friends is a member of this group, I admit when I first darkened the threshold there, I possessed an ulterior motive; (one which I have described in the first paragraph).

A few weeks ago I solicited the men’s group leader to allow me to teach the next cycle of the class, and he was receptive to the idea. After presenting the possibility to an elder who approves (or disapproves) matters such as this, I was approved to moderate the class; which begins next month.

Tonight as Tim led the current study, he asked a poignant question.

“What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘Take up your cross and follow after me?’”

I responded with,

“Well, I believe it’s very much like we discussed last week. Jim Elliot, the martyr of the Christian church, who died in South America at the hands of Indians, once said,

“He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

(and)

“I think ‘taking up the cross’ is largely about gaining an eternal perspective. This life is short. It is soon passing away. We find ourselves striving, and clawing and grasping for pleasure, and material things, and doing our best to avoid anything inconvenient, or which calls for commitment. But after 70 or 80 years we’re ‘outta here’ I think we have to put on an eternal mindset, and approach everything in life with this perspective. We simply can’t stay here. We are looking for a heavenly city.”

And it was then that it struck me harder than it has in a very long time. My own words accused me, (and should accuse any Christian who reads or is exposed to similar words).

While this mortal life is dear, we must refuse to be deterred from the holy calling, we must invest our energies in the eternal; we must lift our cross and follow Golgotha’s ancient footprints.

As the old hymn assures us,

… “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.”

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 22. Copyright pending

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