There are two ways in which we identify with Jesus in his death and thereby take up our cross:

First, we identify with Jesus in his death by dying to sin.

• Jesus Christ died for our sins, now we must die to our sins. We must put our sins to death (Colossians 3:1–10, Romans 8:1–18). In Ephesians 2:1–10 Paul talks about how we used to live. We used to be dead in our trespasses and transgressions. We used to indulge our sinful desires as we followed the prince of the power of the air. But now, because of God’s great love we’ve been made alive with Christ, we must do good works, we must fight against our sinful desires. We’ve been saved in order to be disciples; the Spirit wants to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). God has prepared good works in which we must walk (Ephesians 2:10).

• This forces us to ask a question: Am I busy fighting sin or have I given up? The ordinary Christian life is a spiritual battle. It’s a life of fighting and struggling against our sinful desires. Often we fall into sin. But the Lord in his grace lifts us up again so that we can continue the fight, and persevere in the desire to please God and honour him with our lives. That’s a mark of the Holy Spirit’s work in a Christian (see Belgic Confession, Article 29).

• Do not think that you can follow Jesus without repentance. To confess Jesus as Lord and willingly continue to indulge your sinful desires is hypocrisy. Christ calls us to take up our cross. By the power of the Spirit, we must fight against our sinful natures.

Second, we identify with Jesus in his death through our public confession.

• In ancient times, the cross not only symbolized death but also shame. Someone who carried their cross was a naked criminal, humiliated as he walked through the streets. When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, he is asking us to identify with him publicly, willingly bearing the shame and humiliation which that might bring.

• There is no such thing as a secret or a private Christian. We are all called as prophets to witness to Jesus Christ, to testify to him as the time and opportunity presents itself.

• At the office party or a social event, when people ask why you’re not getting drunk like everyone else, will you be clear that you’re a Christian and you want to follow Jesus?

• When you are at home and being asked to participate in ancestral sacrifices or some other activity that is contrary to God’s will, are you going be clear that you’re a Christian and you want to follow Jesus?

• In the classroom at university when people ask you how you spent your weekend, will you mention the fact that you went to church and tell them what you learned?