Christ Jesus told his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."Matt. 16:24. For centuries after this, Christians have been reminded periodically that they must take up the cross and follow the Christ. Perhaps many have thought, as I have, "Oh, someday I may be willing to take up the cross, but please, not now!"
Jesus also made clear the importance of purity when he said, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."5:8. But I wondered, "Who really wants to be pure, a goody-goody? I don't—at least, not now."
I had a similar feeling of burden when I considered this statement by Mrs. Eddy: "Christian Scientists must live under the constant pressure of the apostolic command to come out from the material world and be separate."Science and Health, p. 451. I worried, "Separate from friends, from things I like to do? I'm not ready."
