I love Thy cross, the flesh’s bane makes old man “Sinner” cease
And when I choose sin’s chains again, it brings me back release
Take heed, disciple, bear thy cross, it sets the prisoner free
From ev’ry baited snare of self into Christ’s company

“Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” 1 Cor 15:50

This is not to say that we will not have physical bodies in the New Heaven and Earth, but saying rather that all of our old life, the life of the “flesh,” the old man, must pass into death, so that God can resurrect that which resembles His new creation patterned after His Son. This entails the casting aside of everything that is less than Himself or more than Himself, which we might try to squeak through the eye of a needle. All of this is the flesh’s nature corrupted by sin, and it requires an existence living in death to self so that we may have renewed life in the inner person by the Spirit.

“He who suffers in the flesh has ceased from sin,” said Peter (1 Peter 4:1.) This does not mean that if our bodies hurt that we somehow are more holy or righteous, rather it means that sin is grown in us from our old man which arises as we live in this “body of death” Paul bemoans in Romans 7. It’s not like sin is only on our outside, but it’s already a traitor on the inside, ready to raise and lower the drawbridge to let in evil things of the world and the Devil. But the cross deals him a death blow: everything the flesh would enjoy, He brings to the death of self-denial, which is coupled with the command to take up your cross and follow me. The Spirit desires against the old man’s fleshly desires, so that you do not do the things you please. (Galatians 5:17)

Now, does this mean we should never enjoy the good things our bodies enjoy? Certainly not! Otherwise, the flesh would take the opportunity to glory in its asceticism. Instead, be thankful and open-handed with the Lord in trust, fully surrendering every good and evil thing to His purposes. That is what carrying your cross looks like.

And for those who struggle with addiction, the cross gives you liberation. You are addicted because there is some area of your life that you have tried to depend upon, replace, or overcome by your own power without surrendering it to Jesus for Him to put it to death. Everything in your life must be laid on the altar of total surrender to God, “nailed to the cross,” and “put to death,” or else it will become an idol. Obviously, I’m not talking about people being killed, but rather that part of us which elevates any person or thing in devoted importance above God, rather than thankful receptivity from God—that part of us being put to death daily. As we do, we discover freedom from every snare of self so subtly baited for our own good, and we discover Someone who walks with us unfettered. Someone who wishes to run barefoot with us through the meadowlands of sunshine. Someone who knows us and wants to be known by us. This is the company of Christ that all Christians can keep if they walk by the Spirit, not carrying out the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) Remember, for the Christians, the only shackles are made up of our own bones and ligaments, and the snare’s bait—that which we refuse to let go.

Reflection Questions:

• What area of your life is “me”-centered?
• What is an aspect of your life that takes control of your thoughts, emotions, or plans independent of God?
• What is keeping you from surrendering that to God completely right now, and thanking him for it instead?