We take our stand at the cross and consent to be nailed to it, voluntarily, actually; to submit to the pain whereby the flesh dies;
the hands are pierced that carnal work may no longer be done in the energy of the flesh;
the feet are pierced that no longer we may walk according to the flesh;
the brow is pierced with the thorn crown that our head may not any longer be held up for human diadems and fading laurel wreaths;
the side is pierced that the heart may relinquish its fleshly energy and preference, and be occupied with God.
-American Presbyterian pastor, Arthur Tappan Pierson
Christ wants us to be transformed by the cross and suffer the pain that is a part of the transformation from selfish living to Christian living.
Pleasing God Even In Suffering
