A discounted cross cannot be the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture ref: Matthew 16:24-27

Introduction
The cross is one of the symbols of Christianity. It symbolizes what Jesus did for us at the cross.

The story of the priest
A Priest went into a bookstore that ran an advertisement that items were on discount. The priest picked as much as he wanted. At the cashier’s desk he was given a discount for all the items he picked except one- the cross. In surprise, the priest asked why he was not given a discount for the cross. The cashier said that they cannot give a discount for the cross because in so doing the cross will lose its value.

People are always seeking for discounts everywhere, even in the church. People want the standards of the church discounted.

The standards of the cross
Charles Loward wanted to know the dimensions of the cross that Jesus carried. He discovered that the cross weighed 165 pounds (75kgs). Others think it was much heavier than that. Jesus bore the weight of our sins.

The cross has its standards (size and weight) and we cannot keep reducing those standards as we wish. We must do according to the standards we have been given by the word of God in order to retain its value. For instance in tithing, dressing, etc

Our cultures, traditions of men and our past lifestyle cannot substitute the standards of the church. In the church we have come to be taught by Christ that we may meet and keep His standards. Jesus is not inviting us for a sweet game here, He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

People are seeking the modernization of the church in order to accommodate what’s happening in the world. This is something that started al ong time ago. People want certain things to be accommodated in the church. The medieval church vehemently refuted the reducing of the cross/standards of the church.

Conclusion
In what areas are you seeking a discount for the cross? Remember, a discounted cross cannot be the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus carried the cross, so should we