Christ Jesus told his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."1 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."2 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."3 I worried, "Separate from friends, from things I like to do? I'm not ready."