Are you taking up your cross?

In light of some recent information (i.e. bible scripture and some audio teachings) I have recently understood the premise being presented in
Luke 9:23
New International Version (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
To understand this we must first understand what a cross represents. It’s obvious that Jesus didn’t want us to drag physical crosses where ever we went, its equally obvious that he didn’t mean that we should wear crosses as a sign of our faith at least not in context with this verse.
What I believe Jesus to be talking about here is the fact that his teachings and the words of god that he brought to us eventually resulted in his death on the cross, and for us to “deny ourselves” and “take up our cross” would mean that you deny your own wants and your own will and share the word of god even in light of the consequences that you may be hated or mistreated and indeed even killed as a result. Jesus said no servant is greater than his master which means that you as a servant of Jesus can’t expect to be treated better than Jesus was.
How was Jesus treated? Some listened to him and accepted his words, even less people followed his words, but the majority of people suspected him of being a liar and of being a blasphemer, many hated him and his message and some even persecuted him and killed him.
He died on the cross, having paid the ultimate price, are you willing to pay that price? Are you willing that people hate you and persecute you? Hate you and do violence to you all because you are doing everything you can to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ?
I think that this statement in Luke is saying that in order to be his disciple you need to deny yourself, or not think of your own fear, not tremble in the shadow of the ideas that you will be shunned and hated and possible beaten and killed and profess your Lord Jesus no matter what. That is the cross you take up as a Christian, Love Jesus at all costs; preach the word by any means. If you’re worried about yourself and your wellbeing then you are not being faithful … you aren’t being a Christian and you are not baring your cross and denying yourself and you are not being a disciple of Jesus Christ.