Glorying in the Cross

Malcolm Muggeridge became famous in the 1940s in England as a writer and television personality noted for his cynicism and sharp commentaries. While advocating many liberal causes, his personal life was characterized by drinking and womanizing. But, late in his life, his wife made him choose between her and a woman with whom he had been having an affair. After he chose his wife, he began to rediscover Christianity.

Soon he began to talk openly about his new faith. He was “driven to the conclusion that God wants me.” Muggeridge, who was born on this day in 1903, began to realize the foolishness of the quest for human perfection, and the folly of the pursuits for pleasure and power in the world.

He found the only solution that worked in his relationship with Jesus. He said, “The way begins where for Christ himself its mortal part ended—at the cross…There, contemplating God in the likeness of man, we may understand how foolish and inept is man when he sees himself in the likeness of the cross.”

The people who surrounded Jesus at His crucifixion reviled him and urged Him to “descend now from the cross.” But they did not know that the cross marked a turning point in history. As Paul wrote, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14 KJV).

Today, do not glory in your talents, abilities, appearance, or achievements. Glory in the cross. And surrender your life anew to Jesus. Serve Him, and be grateful for all that He has done for you.