What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?

“The term take up your cross is found in both ancient and modern scripture, including at least three references in the Doctrine and Covenants (23:6; 56:2; 112:14). In Matthew 16:24 the Savior says, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’ The [Joseph Smith Translation] of the Bible provides the meaning of this term as given by Jesus Christ himself: ‘And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.’ (Matt. 16:25–26.)” (Ludlow, Companion, 2:56.)

Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “The cross to be taken up may be heavy, perhaps to be dragged because too burdensome to be borne. We are apt to assume that self-denial is the sole material of our cross; but this is true only as we regard self-denial in its broadest sense, comprising both positive and negative aspects. One man’s cross may consist mostly in refraining from doings to which he is inclined, another’s in doing what he would fain escape. One’s besetting sin is evil indulgence; his neighbor’s a lazy inattention to the activities required by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, coupled perchance with puritanical rigor in other observances.” (Vitality of Mormonism, p. 339; see also Notes and Commentary on D&C 56:2.)

My cross seems to be self-pity, pessimism, and a quick tongue. Yesterday, I was considering the behavior of some relatives. On one hand, my grandmother is the type of person who looks for the good in all men similar to Jane in Pride and Prejudice. Consequently many people love her and want to spend time with her. Then there are an aunt and uncle, siblings, who are rather caustic and judgmental. As they've aged, it's gotten worse similar to Mrs. Bennett. Although I dearly love these people, it is getting harder and harder to spend time with them. I must do a lot of lip biting and duck backing. I bring these people to mind only to compare. I want to be like Grandmother and Jane, but my tendency is to be more like Aunt, Uncle, and Mrs. Bennett.

Reading the scriptures and Jane Austin's character sketches, my eyes were opened to my faults. Even so I don't feel overcome with guilt but have gained a desire to be a do a little better each day. Smile a little more. Look for good in people. Be more optimistic. Bite my tongue a lot.