What does it mean to follow Christ and bear one's cross?

To follow Christ and bear one’s cross involves a commitment to living in light of His teachings, often leading to personal sacrifice and suffering. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.' This imagery of the cross conveys the weight of discipleship; it is a call to deny oneself, reject worldly values, and commit fully to Christ’s mission. Such a life reflects genuine faith and produces evidence of salvation, rooted not in self-righteousness but in reliance on Christ’s finished work. While this path may entail hardship, it promises deeper fellowship with Christ and growth in grace.