A Church Should Be A Community Of People On Crosses Dying To Themselves.

In the midst of his disciples, Jesus engaged in a profound conversation about the concept of the cross. Their minds naturally drifted towards thoughts of greatness. "Which of us will be the greatest?" they pondered. But Jesus, the master of wisdom, took this opportunity to unveil the extraordinary meaning behind carrying one's cross. It's a lesson that reverberates through time and challenges our conventional notions of leadership.

The Cross: A Symbol of Humility

Jesus made it clear that carrying your cross signifies embracing humility to the fullest extent. In a world where leadership is often associated with power, prestige, and privilege, this perspective stands as a striking contrast. To carry your cross is to adopt the posture of the least, not the greatest.

In this revelation, we find a treasure trove of leadership principles that transcend the boundaries of time and culture. True leadership is not about commanding from a position of authority; it's about serving with a heart of humility. It's about being willing to bear the weight of responsibility and sacrifice for the greater good.

A Church Transformed

Imagine a church as a community of individuals who have willingly taken up their crosses, each bearing their own unique burdens. In such a place, there is no room for squabbles over rights and entitlements. Instead, the focus shifts dramatically. People strive to outdo each other in blessing those who dwell on the margins of their community.

This vision of a church is a far cry from what we often see in the Western world. Rather than a platform for self-promotion, it becomes a sanctuary for selflessness. It's a place where egos shrink, and hearts expand. It's a place where individuals compete not for personal gain but to uplift those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.

A World Beyond Competition

The message of carrying one's cross extends far beyond the confines of the church. It speaks to a fundamental shift in our approach to life. In a world driven by competition, where the pursuit of personal success often overshadows collective well-being, Jesus's teaching offers a revolutionary perspective.

What if, in our daily lives, we chose to embrace the mindset of carrying our crosses? What if we sought not to outshine one another but to out-bless each other? What if our ambition was not to climb the ladder of success but to extend a helping hand to those in need?

The Wisdom of the Ages

The lesson Jesus imparted to his disciples transcends the boundaries of time and culture. It echoes the wisdom of great thinkers and philosophers throughout history. From the likes of Aristotle and Plato to Confucius and Kant, the concept of selflessness and the pursuit of the common good have been recurring themes in the tapestry of human thought.

Even in the modern era, visionaries like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates have demonstrated that true innovation often arises from a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Their success is not solely measured by financial gain but by the transformative impact they've had on society.

Conclusion: Embracing the Cross

In a world marked by the constant clamor for greatness and recognition, the lesson of carrying one's cross shines as a beacon of counter-cultural wisdom. It reminds us that true leadership is born from humility, that genuine success is measured by the positive influence we have on others, and that our worth is not determined by what we accumulate, but by what we give.

So, let us not shy away from the cross we must bear in our own lives. Let us carry it with grace and purpose, knowing that in doing so, we become part of a legacy that stretches back through the ages—a legacy of individuals who chose to lead with their hearts, bless those on the margins, and create a world where selflessness triumphs over selfishness.