“There are two types of Christians. There are those who can say with the Apostle Paul, ‘I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20)’. And then there are those Christians who believe Christ was crucified so that we do not have to crucify ourselves. The first type are part of a Christianity of sacrifice, and the second are given over to the ego.
The Christian who believes he must be crucified with Christ will constantly call upon the Lord for help, but will be ever willing to take up his own cross and follow Christ. He does not expect to have an easy road, nor is he easy on himself. This type of Christian is ever looking at his own sins, his own fallen nature, and seeing how far he has fallen short of the glory of God.
The second type of Christian expects the road to be easy, sees himself as more spiritual than most, and is constantly looking to see the error in his neighbor and offer correction. He rarely calls upon the Lord for help, for he expects an easy road and only prays for help when facing an unpleasant situation. He does not take up his cross since he sees no value in suffering. This second type of Christian fails to notice that refusing to judge another brings down God's mercy on himself.
The Lord tells both types of Christians, ‘If a man comes to me and does not bear his cross, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26)’. Only the first type of Christian notices those words, and heeds them.”
~Abbot Tryphon
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