Scripture
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14-15

Observation
Modern people, when they see a cross, they think of church. The cross for us is a religious thing.

Two thousand years ago, when people saw a cross, they looked the other way like we all do when we drive through a prison town. Blood, torture, shrieks and death were what came to mind.

We need that first mind to understand what Paul said. There is an ugly side to Jesus. If I will embrace that, I can have it all. It will also mean that no one will want me who does not want Jesus.

Suffering to do what pleases God is the secret of the cross life. The world will drop me when I do. Jesus will embrace me because I do.

Application
There is a test of my relationship with Christ. If there are things in this world that interest me, then some part of my body isn’t nailed down. If ungodly people have interest in me, then some part of me isn’t nailed down. It’s the interest I have in the world and the interests that the world have in me that should teach me what to pray through.

Prayer
Father, I can see little things that the world would be interested in me. I choose to nail those now. I bring all of myself to the cross. I embrace the ugly side of Jesus. Amen.