We must never think that we who so gladly profess faith in Jesus as our crucified, risen, and exalted Lord are ever beyond becoming an enemy of the cross (Philippians 3:18-19). How tempting to add to the finished work of Christ on the cross... to look to our own works to gain acceptance with God. How easy it is to detract from the cross by  professing faith in Jesus while refusing the lifestyle it promotes of sacrificial love and intentional service (Philippians 2:3-8)..

How is it that we can cherish and delight in the cross? One thing I have done is to meditate on the  words of Abbot Rupert of Deutz who lived in the 12th century that set forth succinctly and beautifully all that was accomplished at the cross. 

“The cross of Christ is the door to heaven,
    the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil,
    the uplifting of mankind, the release from our imprisonment.
The cross of Christ is the safeguard of our faith,
    the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love, 
    the sign of God's mercy and the proof of forgiveness. 
By his cross,
    Jesus has redeemed us from our sin
    and atoned for our punishment. 
The way to peace, joy, and righteousness in the kingdom of God
    and the way to victory over sin, despair, and death
    is through the cross of Jesus Christ.”