Through repentance we come into step with Christ.  It is the death to self that he taught, not just in Word, but in the agony of the garden.  His death on cross was the ultimate expression of that selflessness.

Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mr 8:35  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

In this, He commands us to, “take up thy cross and follow me”.

More in:   Let us come into step with Christ - Commentary of IThess 3.