The Freedom Found in Saying 'Yes': Understanding the Cross

Sometimes, when we’re deep in missionary discussions or just wrestling with what it means to truly follow Christ, we get bogged down in the *how*. We think discipleship is a series of grueling tests—that the harder the sacrifice, the holier the outcome. It’s a trap we fall into, a trap that whispers, “If I want to be more worthy, I must choose the hardest path.”

But what if that understanding is fundamentally flawed? What if the weight we *think* we must carry is actually the key to our greatest freedom?

I was reflecting on some powerful words recently—words that cut right through the misconception that "harder is holier." As we continue our journey as rogue disciples, we are constantly learning to discern the Spirit’s guidance from our own cultural assumptions. And what I realized is that taking up our cross isn't about endurance for its own sake; it’s about alignment.

When we look at the counsel from the Savior—to deny ourselves and take up our cross—it sounds monumental. It sounds like a life of perpetual struggle. But the core message, the one that rings with the quiet power of the Spirit, is that this process ultimately leads to the greatest liberty. It’s about choosing God’s will, even when it requires us to let go of what we *want* for ourselves.

What the Cross Really Means

The wonderful thing about this teaching is how much we tend to misinterpret it. We hear "deny yourself" and immediately translate that into, "I must do the thing that will be the most difficult." That’s the trap. It’s a subtle error that can lead us to exhaustion rather than exaltation.

What the Savior is pointing us toward is something far more beautiful: realizing where our will conflicts with the Father’s will. Those moments—those junctures where our personal desires clash with divine direction—*those* are the moments where we must take up our cross. It’s not about the difficulty level; it’s about the direction.

The ultimate joy, the profound peace, comes when we realize that sometimes, what we *want* to do is exactly what God wants us to do! That’s phenomenal. But in the times when our desires pull us in a different direction, we must practice that sacred act of surrender. Holier, in this context, isn't a measure of pain; it's a measure of obedience—it’s saying, “Yes, Father.”

The Daily, Personalized Call

Pay close attention to the phrasing: “Take up *your* cross *daily*.” This is intensely personal. It’s not a generalized, abstract concept; it’s the specific, personalized challenges and choices placed before *you* today.

As we prepare for our callings, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or even just serving as internet missionaries from our homes, we face our own crosses. Sometimes they are active—the choices we make to actively say yes to the covenant path. Other times, they are passive—the quiet, consistent yielding to the Spirit's promptings even when they are inconvenient.

My encouragement to all of you, my brothers and sisters in the quorum of the covenant, is to shift your focus from *how hard* it is to *who* you are saying yes to. When you feel the pull to rely on your own strength, remember that the yoke of Christ is easy, and His burden is light. True freedom isn't found by pushing harder; it's found by yielding deeper.

If this resonated with you, I encourage you to explore this further. We’ve got some fantastic resources in LivingBook. For those who love diving into scripture, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. And if you want to walk through some tough doctrinal questions, remember Davee! He’s ready to be your AI Investigator companion.

Let’s keep building up the Kingdom, one surrendered will at a time.