The cross is the central symbol of the Christian life. But the cross is not just about Jesus. The cross is also about us and how we follow the Lord in His death and resurrection.

Temptations and struggles frequently come our way. How do we respond? Bite the bullet? Grin and bear it? Will power? I am learning one of the best way to way to overcome life's struggles is to embrace the cross and consider myself dead to sin and self.

Romans 6 says that when we become Chrisitans we are immersed into Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) and share in his crucifixion. Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ." This is a mystical reality that is difficult to grasp, but somehow all believers are transported back in time to that lonely windswept hill of Golgotha where Christ died upon the cross. We participate in His death in order that we may share in His resurrection life.

Meditate on Romans 6:11. When someone or something agitates you remember you are dead and you can't tempt a dead man!