Jesus calls people to deny themselves, take up his cross daily, and follow him (Luke 9:23). This directive is challenging, and some may think it is reserved for the exceptionally devoted. Jesus also said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). This raises the question: Is following Christ a light burden, or is it extreme asceticism?
This challenge was evident in the experience of the rich young ruler, who asked about the requirements for inheriting eternal life:
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these (commandments) I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man's face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:20-23).
Surrendering what we think makes our lives work can be challenging. If we go before the Lord and admit our struggle, He can guide us to take the first step of loosening our grip on things we hold dear.
The Apostle Paul states the essence of a life surrendered to God: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I love the title F.F. Bruce’s book on the Apostle Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Bruce characterizes Paul’s life in Christ as freedom. Surrendering our autonomy and personal wisdom to follow Christ is challenging, yet within this surrender, true freedom is found. As we yield, the Lord provides the power and grace necessary to follow him. Progressing along this path, we experience a sense of ease through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Some of us carry loads we are not meant to carry, and we are overburdened. We do not have the lightness and joy of belonging to the Lord. We are not exhibiting His meekness and humility because we have a yoke that is ours alone and not given over to the Lord. Our burden can be light if we let him carry the load.
Joy, ease, and sabbath rest are available now and not just in eternity. Trials enable us to continue to give our lives over to the Lord. Augustine observed, “We are restless until we find our rest in Him.” While there is meaningful work for us to accomplish, God equips us for these tasks without imposing undue stress. He does not lower his expectations; instead, he empowers us to meet them. Self-denial leads to profound freedom. Jesus declared, “I praise you, Father, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 8:22). Just as children who rely on loving parents are not stressed, so too should we, as children of God, depend on our heavenly Father.
