Here, Jesus is telling Peter that the only way that He can secure the Kingdom, is by going to the cross.

The application of this principle for believers, is illuminated by the story of the rich man in Mark 6. Here, the rich young man was sorrowful and walked away from the rule of Christ in his life because he could not give up his riches. Jesus goes on to declare the near impossibility of a rich man to enter the Kingdom. However, he consoles the disciples with the rich man"s only hope, "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

This brings the discussion back to Philippians 3 where Paul desires, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

First, the true believer desires to die to the old man. Secondly, the believer must rely on God to help him "give up all his riches" in order to enter the Kingdom.

This idea of the cross being worked into our lives permeates every moment. The life of Christ is at once both resurrection and death.

Much of this work of the cross must take place in how we relate to one another. We are constantly faced with a need for God to bring us to the end of ourselves in friendships, families and jobs. Only then can He live through us as a good friend, a good mother or a good employee.

Although this value can be explained briefly, embracing it and allowing it to work in your life can be the most difficult of chores.