"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world" - Gal. 6:14
A filipino pastor tells of an experience on Good Friday in Manila. As he came past a large catholic church, he noticed that the area around the church was crowded, not only with worshipers, but with many vendors selling incense, candles, veils, and rosaries. Among the busy merchants were small boys running about selling crosses, and calling, "Cheap crosses for sale! Buy a cheap cross!"
This struck me as meaning beyond what was intended. Some people like easy religion, one that is all sweetness and light, one that makes no demand upon their interests, no claim on their time and strength - as if the cross could be "cheap".
The cross of Calvary was no cheap cross. Christ gave up His throne in glory to come and live in this world of sin, and give His life a ransom on the cross in order to redeem us. There was nothing cheap about what He did for us. He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. It is not a cheap, easy way, but it is a way filled with the light of His presence and blessed with opportunities to serve. One day, the cross will be exchanged for a crown. - unknown
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it". - Mat. 16:25