So, I've been there once. I've sang the words "When I survey the wondrous cross" many times. Except that I've seen myself surveying the cross in a much different way. This is more like how I have surveyed the cross.....

Jesus says to take up your cross and follow Him. This is a big bold command. I've been afraid. I've hemmed and hawed. Hmmmm, do I really want to do this? I see the cross of Jesus standing tall--very tall. He is indeed alive and risen today. Then I see my cross laying there on the ground. It's big, bulky, heavy. Thick wood, if I were to take it up, it would cause me to get splinters. Oh, I've got a bad back, too....if I picked it up it would hurt my back. And look, it's dirty too. Slowly I have come to it again and again, hearing Jesus' words--"Follow Me!" I bend down and touch the heavy cross. It is indeed rugged. As my hand runs across it a splinter slides into my finger. What if I were to take it up on my back? People might laugh, people might think I was really crazy because after all Jesus didn't mean to literally take up your cross. Maybe it was figurative. "Ha ha!" they'd laugh, "Look at her! She's actually carrying a wooden cross! Jesus didn't really mean that, He only meant to do what you feel comfortable with!" Oh...the persecution! Oh, the trouble it would indeed cause if I decided to take up this cross!" Leave everything and take up my cross, how could I ever do it?

So, for many years I have stood far off only pondering the thought of taking up my cross. I've surveyed the cross from afar, way far off. It is time, my dear brothers and sisters to take up your cross and follow Him. It is time to put away all things of this world and not worry about the splinters you might get. Don't worry about how you may look, NOW is the time.. Do it, and don't look back. The Lord indeed demands our attention--He longs for us to love Him and follow after Him. But instead, we turn our backs. I can say, I am ashamed of myself. I do not even want to show my face--for I have spent many wasted years standing next to my cross crying about it. Go now, for He has already taken up His cross for you.