I think the most important word to see in these verses is “daily” we want change but daily is hard. Daily means every day, I know I am sounding funny but if we can’t take up our cross daily how are we going to grow and handle everything in this world? We are called to know the true grapevine and to live a life that glorifies God. In John chapter 15 verse 4 Jesus says, “Remain in me and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
This sounds an awful lot like “…Take up your cross daily, and follow me.” When we struggle with something we need to be willing to lay it down and use what Jesus has taught us in the word of God. This is also why it is so important for us to pray and talk to God daily having discussions that build a relationship with Him. What is more important than learning from God and dying to self so we are fruitful?
Think about these next statements: When it comes to understanding, only God can open our hearts. And when it comes to seeking Him only we can turn to God. Our cross is humbleness and servant hood and loving others and trusting God. When we can do this “daily” we can grow and when we can grow then we can go and make disciples and our fruit will be there to see and not something someone has to look for. Amen