The Pain of Cross-Bearing
Following Christ requires sacrifice, including breaking family ties and prioritizing spiritual relationships over fleshly ones.
A.W. Tozer addresses the challenges of true discipleship in 'The Pain of Cross-Bearing,' emphasizing that many Christians compromise their faith for the sake of peace and acceptance, particularly within family dynamics. He argues that true allegiance to Christ may require difficult choices, including the potential severing of familial ties, as the call to follow Jesus often leads to division rather than harmony. Tozer highlights that the essence of the cross is misunderstood by those who prioritize earthly relationships over spiritual commitments, urging believers to embrace the cost of discipleship without fear of rejection from loved ones.
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The weakness of much that passes for the Christian faith these days is seen in the readiness of many professed followers of Christ to make any concessions in order to ?get along with people,? especially with relatives and in-laws. The philosophy of mid-twentieth century Christianity is a philosophy of appeasement. Peace and unity have become the Castor and Pollux of the majority of religious leaders, and truth is regularly sacrificed on their altars. The notion that ?peace on earth? as the New Testament uses the words, means concord between light and darkness is foreign to the whole traditional Christian position.
Our Lord cared nothing for the good will of bad men, nor would He alter one word of His message to stay in favor with anyone, be he Jew or pagan or even a member of His own earthly family. ?For even his own brothers did not believe in him? (John 7:5).
No one has understood the meaning of the cross who puts blood ties alongside the ties of the Spirit. ?Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit? (John 3:6). All fleshly relationships will be dissolved in the glory of the resurrection, including the relationship between husband and wife.
For this reason our Lord said plainly that for some people it would be necessary to break family ties if they would follow Him. ?Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law? (Luke 12:51-53). ?If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple? (14:26-27).
Sermon Outline
- The Weakness of Modern Christianity
- The Cross and Family Ties
- Following Christ Requires Sacrifice
- Breaking family ties
- Hating family and self for Christ's sake
Key Quotes
“No one has understood the meaning of the cross who puts blood ties alongside the ties of the Spirit.” — A.W. Tozer
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be willing to sacrifice your relationships and values for the sake of following Christ.
- Prioritize your relationship with Christ above all other relationships, including family ties.
- Understand that following Christ may lead to division and conflict, especially if it means breaking family ties or going against societal norms.