The other day I was working on the reading for Porterbrook's first course entitled "Gospel Living." It looks at all areas of life and appeals to the cross as our only motivator, sustainer, and hope. As such, the cross ought to have an impact on every single facet of life, no matter how small. One of the exercises asked this question: How will the way of the cross affect your next five minutes/hours/days/months/years?
I encourage you to ask yourself this question about each time frame given; for me, it is surprisingly difficult. We are often very good at talking about how Jesus' sacrifice makes us feel, and how we should respond to it in a general sense, but to ask how the cross will change my life in the next five minutes is another thing entirely. Do we believe that the cross changes not just my life in the cosmic sense, but my every moment? I had a harder time dividing it as specifically as the book, so I grouped them into Today, This Fall, and Years to Come.
How will the way of the cross affect you today?
I need to remain others-oriented in a busy schedule. In light of the focused perspective Jesus had for his mission, I can be fully present with every person in front of me, even when I'm aware of the next person/activity on the schedule.
How will the way of the cross affect you this fall?
Jesus gave to the point of death -- I have no right to let tiredness determine the amount of grace I give to others. I need to keep the big picture in view and follow Christ in all ways in ministry and personal life. I need to bring my stress to Jesus and not medicate in my own unhealthy ways.
How will the way of the cross affect you in years to come?
Come what may, the cross does not allow for bitterness. The future is completely unknown (to me, not God) and the cross frees me to live in peace regardless of circumstance. Loneliness, bitterness, fear, and uncertainty will come and go but resting in the power of the cross I am not alone. Ever.
How does the way of the cross change your life?
