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Dear Friends, I have often read the words of Jesus as He admonished his Holy Apostles just prior to their missions. As they prepared to embark on the tenuous journey that was to be their mission here on earth, Christ knew that these early emissaries would suffer hunger, thirst, fatigue, want and persecution. They were to remember Christ’s life and His mission, “he who will not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me”. It is humbling to note that some scholars believe that Peter was actually crucified, some say upside down in respect for his Lord, Peter not considering himself worthy to die as Christ died.
But, as we see our friends and love ones struggle, please remember this: just as a heavy physical cross can break the body, so can a heavy “spiritual cross” break the spirit. The “spiritual cross” that we each bare is lightened through repentance and forgiveness and our spirit is strengthened each time we repent, receive forgiveness and improve.
Too many Latterday Saints suffer, carrying a cross that is too heavy for them, too much for them to bare. Some give up in despair, some even take their own lives. Am I my brother’s keeper? Am I a true undershepard to the Lord, do I care for his sheep? Would I pull the ox out of the mire, knowing that I would get a bit of mud on myself, or do I let them sink further into the mud?
Matthew’s Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” I think it is scary and ominous contemplating taking upon oneself the cross or the yoke of Jesus. But once taken, it is suddenly easy and light. With that understanding, I have concern that the burden many are carrying is not the burden of Jesus, but the burden of false tradition and false religion. Paradoxically, it is the cross or the yoke of Jesus that could give them wings to fly. Because the philosophies of men are mingled with the plain and precious truths of Jesus, many hearts died, fatigued with many false hopes and fears.
You might want to read the following post I wrote in November, 2007: “Carrying His Burden” –
http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2007/11/carrying-his-load.html Thank you for your reply, I enjoyed the article.
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