Cross And The ‘Larger World’ (A Post Lenten Reflection)

By Reni M. Valenzuela

Every man and woman in Christ has missions in life to do and accomplish, whereby he or she can say in the end, “It is finished.” Live, therefore, with a purpose—away from your tiny shell to be in a larger world, because you have been born anew to grow larger than life, destined for greatness.

You claim to be a Christian, but question yourself if you are without a cross, because every true follower of Jesus Christ carries one on his shoulder.

This is odd: There is nothing pleasurable about the Cross. In fact, it is bothersome and objectionable—something that no person would delight in or be excited about taking and bearing. Jesus, the God-man, repulsed His Cross—but just initially.

The Cross is the thing that God has placed or laid upon your heart, if indeed you are His child, even as Paul the Apostle testified of victory over his trials, sufferings and ordeals as a result of his obedience to the heavenly calling (2 Corinthians 11:20-33).

The Cross gets you feeling compelled but uncomfortable until you do something about it—toward being instrumental and useful in alleviating the plight of what you see, and thereby serve as a savior (so to speak) to the world around you, to people in dire need—despite the inconvenience, risks, hassles, even deprivation that your actions may bring upon you.

But don’t wait until time is no more—or until God does some “tragic” jolting in your life. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” —1 Corinthians 1:18

Under such situations, you cannot afford to be silent, unmoved and selfish, dead-cold, and simply “pass by the robbed, beaten man on the roadside” (Luke 10:23-37, Good Samaritan) and do nothing—thinking only of yourself, your own comfort, interests, agenda, personal welfare, ambition and pride.

Now, what in particular is the Cross for you?

There’s been too much burden on my heart concerning certain crucial matters that affect the Church, our nation and the world—such that I think I wouldn’t cease feeling uneasy (ever) if my response would be one of indifference—uncaring, apathetic and passive. They stir me up inside, boiling and unsettling. Hence, I go when God says go. But I stop when God says enough.

What then comes next with the burdens? I have no recourse but to say yes to heaven’s importuning—whilst existing realities notwithstanding, I mean, my busy schedules and the many works I have to do—for the businesses (as an entrepreneur), for Christian ministries (as a preacher, evangelist, church-planter, writer, artist, composer and philanthropist), and for the family and future (as a husband, father and grandfather).

I never intended to stray from my path, as I never planned to do what I am suddenly, unexpectedly and “strangely” being driven to do.

For example (among others), the writing of articles that boldly, fearlessly tackle various issues in governance, politics, foolish elections, corruption, abuses, inanities, injustice, immorality, social inequity, political dynasty, sanctioned brutality, ruthlessness, China’s covetousness toward smaller nations, Russia’s Putin invasion of and demonizing in Ukraine, Israel’s attacks or inhumanity over civilians/Palestinians, West Philippine Sea bullying by the Chinese, church madness, religious or “logo” hypocrisy, etc.

It is never out of personal want or desire, gratification or pleasure that I get to do the things I disdain and despise doing.

The truth is, I don’t want the Cross. It gets in the way of my personal plans, schedules and goals, even as I get nothing out of it for myself, except devil oppositions and death threats. “What for?” you may ask.

Besides, I see the Cross as a distraction from my normal life, personal aspirations, visions and dreams. You may even call it a “waste of time” or “waste of life,” if not insanity. But what shall I do if I am being led to act, to be submissive to the divine leading and open to the supreme voice?

“Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.” —Luke 22:42

That is Cross, perhaps. And that is what self-denial means, I suppose.

Jesus couldn’t be clearer than crystal about the matter when He commanded: “… If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” —Matthew 16:24

Email: renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com