As Paul wrote his letters to real congregations facing common problems, repeatedly his apostolic pastoral guidance relied upon the role that the cross should have in shaping their lives. From problems of congregational division to how a husband treats his wife, the way of the cross was Paul's frequent prescription for the life of God's community.
The way of the cross should be the molding force in a Christian husband's life. Although many ideas and models compete in our modern market place for how a husband might treat his wife, the model of Christ's selfless love for the sake of the church is to be the model for the driving force behind a disciple's behavior toward his wife. Ephesians 5:25, 28-29 The way of the cross should determine how a Christian husband treats his wife.
The message of the cross also addresses the fundamental issue of self-centeredness which can manifest itself through the behavior of demanding my freedom and rights. Whereas knowledge of what I deserve might embolden egoism to become puffed up in demanding what I am entitled to, the call to follow Christ crucified is the Master's scapel in the disciple's life to replace self-centeredness with love. Personal rights and freedoms can be freely abandoned in the wake of seeking the well-being of others for whom Christ died. 1 Corinthians 8-9 Thus, incorporating the way of the cross into our our own lives involves imitating Jesus' motive in seeking our welfare through his death. We thus seek the well-beign of others rather than demand our rights and freedoms.
Just as Jesus taught that being a disciple was contingent upon picking up one's own cross and following him (Luke 9:23 ;14:27), this message of dying to self is echoed through Paul's words: "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24 By responding to Jesus crucified, his cross is supposed to transform our lives. Accordingly the mindset of those in Christ should be the same as Paul's: "may I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
Paul's response to the divisive sectarian spirit at Corinth accurately pin-pointed its fleshly source. Touting human wisdom and eloquence, the Corinthian Christians had elevated various personalities. In contrast to this emphasis upon human success, Paul exalted God's wisdom as revealed through the powerful message of the cross. By understanding what is truly important, Paul had spent his time and developed his message in the crucible of Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Let's learn the lessons of the cross. Rather than make the cross merely an external religious symbol, let's allow God to shape our lives by the way of the cross.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2001
Some articles which may be of interest:
What Does It Mean To Live As A Christian? Follow the Way of the CrossRaised with Christ (The transformations of receiving Jesus)