Do Not Fear the Cross

"Though the cross of Christ has been beautified by the poet and the artist, the avid seeker after God is likely to find it the same savage implement of destruction it was in the days of old. The way of the cross is still the pain-wracked path to spiritual power and fruitfulness.

"So do not seek to hide from it. Do not accept an easy way. Do not allow yourself to be patted to sleep in a comfortable church, void of power. Do not paint the cross nor deck it with flowers. Take it for what it is, as it is, and you will find it the rugged way to death and life. Let it slay you utterly."
--A.W. Tozer

O, do not fear the cross' affliction!
The Saviour suffered on it, too,
To cause eternal joy and pleasure
To ripen evermore for you.

Then bear thy woes with Jesus gladly,
And fear the cross of life no more,
For when thy journey here is ended,
The cross will open heaven's door!
--Zion's Harp #171 vs. 4, 11