D&C 23

The Savior during His mortal ministry said -

"...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (New Testament Matthew 16:24)

Luke suggests this was an every day occurrance as he records -

"...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (New Testament Luke 9:23)

It is apparent that the Savior not only knew that He would die, but the manner in which he was to die suggesting the "cross". The Prophet Joseph Smith provided greater incite in the Savior's meaning as he translated -

“...for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness,and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.”(Matthew 16:26, Inspired Version.)

This correction helps us better understand the meaning to take up ones cross daily. It is to bear the burden to deny oneself of ungodliness and worldly lust by keeping the commandments. Many today excuse their behavior because of their natural desires. The Lord recognized this burden and called it "our personal cross". In modern day revelation, the Lord said again to Joseph Knight, Sen. -

"...I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:6)

His cross being -

"...in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.
7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:6 - 7)

Each of us have our own weakness and challenges, our own cross. Moroni concluded his works with much the same message -

"...come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:32)