Thought Provoking Cross

As it is the sabbath and we missed church I have felt a desire to search the scriptures a bit deeper and think about things more.  Perhaps this is in an effort to make up for missing.  Perhaps it is just the spirit constraining me to deeper study for my own benefit or both.  Either way it has been enjoyable.

I just wanted to share.  I remember reading before I went on my mission 2 Nephi chapter 9.  Overwhelming love, sense of plan and answers to questions came.  It was the best time I had reading in my life up to that point. In reading it again I came across verse 18 "...they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God...".In looking at other things I found this verse Jacob 1:8 "Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear his shame of the world...".    Obviously this and the footnote shows us the example of the Savior and his cross.    Surely we cannot do what he did or suffer as he suffered.  Add that to one of my favorite scriptures "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your sols.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29-30).


He isnt asking us to bear the weight of the world.  He isnt asking us to do "some great thing" (Elders Faust/Elder Monson).  He is asking us to believe in christ, and view his death (atonement), bare his name (baptism) and endure the shame of the world (endure to the end).

Not necessarily something overly profound but is simple.  Can I, or can we endure to the end bearing the shame of the world no matter what happens or what is said, what trials come up in life or how sad we get?  Have I during those times, neglected my duty or cross in the name of suffering, or have I suffered while bearing the cross?