Bearing Our Cross: Following Christ's Example in Our Own Lives

Sometimes, when we study the Savior's life, the sheer weight of what He endured can feel overwhelming. We read about the passion, the condemnation, the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a weight so immense, it seems impossible for any single mortal to bear.

But as we disciples, we learn that following Christ isn't just about grand, singular moments of suffering; it’s about the daily, often unseen, act of bearing our cross. It’s about the persistent, sometimes grueling, walk toward the Savior.

Recently, I was pondering David Guzik’s commentary on Mark 15, specifically focusing on Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross. It really made me stop and think about what ‘compelled’ means in the context of discipleship. It wasn't a choice; it was an assignment, a necessary participation in the unfolding work.

The Weight of the Cross: More Than Just Wood

The commentary detailed the logistics—the crossbar, the journey, the spectacle. It wasn't just a piece of lumber; it was a public declaration of consequence. The Romans wanted the world to see the cost of defiance. And while we don't have video, the descriptions paint such a vivid picture of the physical reality.

What strikes me, as a returned missionary who has seen the beautiful, sometimes messy, reality of the field, is that the cross is rarely just for the one central figure. It’s often shared. Simon, a bystander, was compelled to help. And in our journey as Latter-day Saints, we are always called to that same principle—to pick up the burden of our brothers and sisters.

It’s easy, especially when we’re fresh out of MTC or deep in our first few assignments, to feel like *we* are the ones who have to carry the whole load. We think the district leader, the bishop, or the senior disciple has the map and the strength. But the Spirit whispers that the work is meant to be shared. Every member can be an Internet missionary; every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

Bearing Our Own Cross: The Daily Choice

If the cross of Christ was the ultimate, inescapable burden, what is *our* cross? It’s not always a dramatic, visible thing. Sometimes it’s the quiet discipline of showing up for the Book Club even when we’re exhausted. Sometimes it’s the humility required to listen when we feel the urge to correct. Sometimes it’s the consistent, gentle effort to live as a disciple when no one is watching.

This is where the power of the Spirit comes in. The cross itself doesn't *make* us suffer; it points us to the Savior who already bore it for us. Our discipleship is about aligning our will with His. It’s about choosing the path, even when it’s unpopular, even when it’s hard, even when it feels like we’re walking through the wilderness.

If you're feeling the weight right now—whether it's study pressure, family challenges, or just the general fatigue of trying to keep the commandments—remember Simon. You don't have to carry it all alone. Lean on your companions, lean on the covenants you’ve made, and lean on the Spirit.

A Little Prep Skill & Next Steps

For those of us in missionary preparation, remember this: When you feel overwhelmed by the questions an investigator might ask, don't try to answer everything perfectly on the spot. Instead, practice redirecting the focus back to the Savior’s Atonement. That’s your anchor. If you want to practice this, I highly recommend jumping into a session with Davee in the AI Investigator role this week. He’s fantastic at walking you through those tricky doctrinal waters.

If you’re already out in the field, or just deepening your study at home, please consider joining a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Connecting with others who are also striving to be Christlike is the best way to keep the momentum going.

For deeper reflection, I’ve been revisiting the concept of discipleship through the lens of covenant keeping. If you haven't already, check out the latest readings on covenant path in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful reminder that the journey is lifelong.

What part of the cross are you being asked to carry this week? Share your thoughts below, or better yet, come join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge meeting!