Luke 9:23–24 (NRSV): 23 Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

Like Cheryl, the thing that stood out for me in this passage is the word “daily” in verse 23. Matthew and Mark do not include that word, but to me it makes a big difference. I understand that the call to follow Jesus is to take up the cross. To die to self. To surrender my agenda and invite the Holy Spirit to lead me according to God’s will and purposes.

But if I’m honest, I’ve tended not to think of the cross as something to be taken up each day, but rather on occasion. I get to do my thing most days, but once in a while I have to submit to the way of Jesus and the cross. The word “daily” changes that.

Dear Lord, we are a stubborn bunch. Especially me. Give me grace to take up my cross “daily”, so that in losing my life I may find it. Amen.