He must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him. (Luke 9:23-27) NIV
Well, it was a normal day at work. The computers still laid dusty at their desks, and the papers all crumbled to one side. As for myself, I was fiddling through my things before the day began.
By the grace of God, I was blessed with my own office, so I was going to try my best to make it as homely as possible. I posted a white board to hide the age of my walls. On that board, I proudly posted articles from the Winter Haven news paper on religion. And a small scripture to follow it.
I was working at a Christian organization, so I thought no harm would come with posting it. Until one day, My boss comes to me sternly and tells me to take it down. I looked at her, in tears. "Why, are my articles hurting anyone here," I cried?
"Well, this is a Christian organization, but you might offend somebody," she replied.
Offend somebody? She wanted me to hide my God, my faith, and put it in a box? Because I might offend somebody? My heart went out to her in pain. I didn't know what to think or do. So before I made a decision if I should leave this organization or not, I prayed for an answer on what I should do. Before I did anything, I went to my mother. THE DECISION MAKER :)
She looked at me with a stern look, "If I was wearing a cross around my neck, and someone comes up to me and ask me to take it off because it might offend someone here, you know what I would do?"
With tears rolling down my face I replied "You would take it off."
With disappointment laying in her eyes she said "That's right, I would take it off and put it some place no one would see it, Because I have to make a living"
Those words still echo in my heart daily and that was the answer I was looking for. I went to my mother for direction, instead of finding the true route from the Lord I found the opposite. By her saying that, I knew what He was telling me. Don't deny me! Don't be ashamed of me! Don't have any other God's but me! Take up your cross, dear child and follow me. And I did, right out the door!
Are you asked daily deny the cross? Are you uncertain of the penalties that this world can bring? Remember this, our God provides to all. Be proud knowing that you are a child of God. Don't take off and hide your cross, wear it proudly and walk with love.
In Christ and Christ alone, Christina
