To live at the cross is death. To look back at the cross is remaining in death..
I understand we are to mature, but I don't believe that means "leaving the cross".
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified". I Corinthians 2:2
"May it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.." (Galatians 6:14).
Should I take the cross(there is only one) into into my understanding, the cross is Mat_10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mar_10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
That cross(not the tree) was, and is Mat_7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall
do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven,
not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest
the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (do His will)
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Gal 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Gal 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Notice also Paul is telling us that it is not the natural that is the difference.
" the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,...."
not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. At least that's how now given to understand the cross. I believe those will grow in Christ are those will put aside all of the natural symbols that religion keeps us clinging to.