Advancing A Relationship At The Cost of The Relationship
- Original Professional Hustler
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Progress is sacrifice and that’s precisely what carrying your cross means.
NON-ALLEGORICAL
“Carrying your cross isn’t symbolic. It’s literal. Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one desires death.” Christopher Knight Lopez, International Best-Selling Author.
COURAGE
It is quite a feat to willingly sacrifice yourself. I do not think people appreciate the act. In the military we have awards for this. My eldest brother is a recipient of a Bronze Star. This award is for extreme valor, going above and beyond the call of duty and doing so knowingly exposing oneself to mortal danger.
The bronze star is for a single act. A silver star is for multiple acts. A service medal (such as the Navy Cross) is on par with the Medal of Honor.
It is not the fearless man we admire but the man who acts in spite of his fear. Bravery is what makes a hero. Many admire the hero for this reason. A villain has the same exposure but fears nothing. Few admire the villain.
Fostering courage comes from faith. Faith there is a hereafter. To have courage is to be brave. I know no brave atheist. Sorry.
Jesus, I believe was one of the bravest people in history. Bravery is consistent courage. Jesus had courage because he willingly sacrificed everything.
I apply this philosophy in my life — specifically my relationships. I personally believe I am capable of sacrificing my life for someone I love. I know this due to various situations in my life where I faced possible death and proceeded anyways. Only a person whose life was at risk can make this statement. Most cannot.
I was confronted with a choice of sacrifice recently; albeit not quite as high as Jesus. If awards for valor were analogies, I would consider myself like my brother — a Bronze Star Recipient. I’ll share that sacrifice momentarily but before I do let’s discuss what is a sacrifice to a follower of Jesus.
WHAT IS SACRIFICE TO A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
To understand my concept of sacrifice you must first understand Jesus.
The Gospels, The Holy Quran and various other sources document Jesus’s death. Jesus’ death is romanticized in Paul’s epistles but the Gospels provide nonromantic accounts which permit us to associate a very clear picture of Jesus sacrifice.
Summary of Sacrifice
Jesus embarked on a revolutionary mission to disclose the coming of God’s kingdom, the path to enter and the manner in which we may be redeemed. Jesus then suffered slander, bigotry, violence, false charges and inevitably torture for his message. After all of this he was inspired by God that he would be betrayed by one of those closest to him. He further learned he was to be sent to his death. He knew all of this and willingly proceeded anyways. The result of his bravery was the epidemy of shame, a Roman Cross. Jesus was crucified. Crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals in Rome. To be hung on a cross was designed to be a symbol of humiliation.
That is why for until the 3rd Century Christians created no crosses, art or depictions of Jesus. This tidbit is why I wear a Templar Shield around my neck and do not wear a cross. The cross was the equivalent of an ancient middle finger. Couple this with a slow death and you get my point.
Victory came only after death with Resurrection. Resurrection is the true goal of any believer who seeks victory.
Men Are Called To Sacrifice
Men are not called to be happy. Men are not called to protect their peace. Men are not called to maintain wealth. Men are called to sacrifice themselves and bear their cross. Men I would encourage you to read the summary again.
When Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NLV) it was not metaphorical.
The only difference between suicide and sacrifice is 1) intention, 2) purpose, 3) state of mind and 4) who it is for. Both end in the same context. Giving up one’s life. Chew on that.
MY SACRIFICE
I was required to bear a cross and sacrifice my life. I willingly gave up 1) My Family, 2) My Wealth, 3) My Status, 4) My Marriage and 5) My Home. I gave this up for the intention of providing for my daughter, accepting responsibility for sins committed due to misplaced loyalty to my elder brother, in the state of mind of redemption and thought nothing about myself. I thought only how my sacrifice could help everyone else.
EVERYTHING IS GOD’S ANYWAYS
There is an illusion that we have things, people or relationships. We do not. Everything is provided to us on loan. We covet things because we believe these things are owned by us. No one is an owner. We are merely Lease Holders.
The idea of forever is a spiritual concept. We misplace this idea into the material world which is destined to end. All metals rust. All buildings deteriorate. All relationships cease (through death or otherwise). All status’ alter. All feelings change.
The test is whether we believe in forever or not. The forever is just around the corner. One day all of us will wake up to eternity believing we lasted only a day or part of it here.
OPTIONAL SUFFERING
Embracing this philosophy will free you to love fiercely not despair over its inevitable demise.
This philosophy will greatly improve what you have because you know it’s only temporary. Inevitability of end is exactly what makes a relationship beautiful, allows you to treasure it and be grateful for what you have.
Feel the pain when it ends. Stop the suffering. Much as one cannot be angry forever nor can one be in love forever. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Do not lament about anything destined to end. There is only one never-ending destiny, and it awaits on the other side of death.
CLOSING VERSE
The Final Testament. The Holy Quran. Sura [57:20]."Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion.”
IN CLOSING
Sign up for free to listen free of charge to my chapter in “Many Paths To Profit” to read about how I look at things. My dynamic form of observing and reframing will help you to accomplish things like what we have discussed in today’s article. I have a free podcast called Hustle Kick as well which teaches you how to hustle for free.
You can pick up a copy of my international best-selling and award winning book, “I Made It Then I Didn’t” as well for a deeper insight on some of the psychology I use to take me through difficult circumstances.
This article is meant to provoke thought — not argument. It’s a way of opening up the mind to alternative ideologies based on what one reads — not what one hears. The belief is personal and of course I respect everyone’s personal beliefs. I condemn no one for choosing whatever path — as clearly I mean to choose my own.
To Your Knowledge Success!
Sources
1) The life of Christopher Knight Lopez a Professional Hustler turned International Best Seller and Published Author of “I Made It Then I Didn’t”.
2) As Hyperlinked throughout the article.
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Not a form of investment advice. Please consult a professional registered to give you advice about your individual circumstance. This is not formal counseling or a form of psychology. Please consult a licensed therapist or psychiatrist for psychological concerns. Please do not email the author about advice on investing or strategies on making investments. This article is for educational purposes and entertainment purposes only.
About Christopher: Christopher Knight Lopez is a Professional Hustler turned International Best Seller, Award Winner of the December 2024 prestigious International Impact Book Awards — a premier award program dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the exceptional work of authors around the globe and Published Author of “I Made It Then I Didn’t”. He is also a Co-Author with Kevin “The Shark” Harrington “Many Paths To Profit”. See more at www.christopherklopez.com.
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