After living most of my life as a Christian, I ask myself this question: What difference does the cross make in the way I life my life? For Jesus, the cross was His mission. His death upon the cross was prophesied by man and orchestrated by God! His death on the cross provides for me a template, a pattern by which I live my Christian life. His death means He lives again in me. Without this view of His death, I live for myself and fulfill the desires of my flesh. On the other hand, a clear understanding of His death motivates me to move forward as a follower of Jesus. The cross of Jesus is more than a piece of jewelry, it is a symbol of His sacrifice and therefore my sacrifice as His disciple. Yes, the cross is an emblem of shame. It represents the payment that He offered for my deliverance from the wrath of a holy God… now my GOD! For most people, the cross speaks of the blood of an innocent man shed for guilty men. This is true, but it means more than that! It means that Christ is alive, alive in me. His son! When I see Jesus’ cross, I see life. I see His life in me. Luke 9:23 And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.