Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of denying our soul life and taking up the cross to follow Jesus, highlighting that true discipleship requires relinquishing natural affections and self-preservation for the sake of God. He explains that the soul's love for family and worldly possessions must be surrendered to experience a deeper relationship with Christ and to bear spiritual fruit. Nee illustrates that while the soul life is powerful, it must be delivered to death to allow the Holy Spirit to govern our love and actions. He warns against the dangers of relying on our natural inclinations, urging believers to embrace the cross daily to achieve spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the call to the cross is a call to a profound transformation in our relationship with God and others.