RecognizeOne more step is absolutely necessary if we are really going to embrace the transformed life. We must be ready and willing to recognize the cost of being transformed!
Jesus said that there are three things that will prevent us from truly following Him: relationships, comfort, and possessions! “If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost... no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.” Luke 14:26-28, 33
Note that Jesus does not say you should not, or, you ought not be my disciple. Three times, He says that you CANNOT be His disciple if you will not count and agree to the cost of discipleship! Jesus’ words are very clear, we cannot be true disciples if relationships, comfort, or things are a greater influence on our life than He is!
- When we put our relationships with other people above or outside of our obedience to Christ, we prevent ourselves and those relationships from being all they can be and from reflecting His priorities and love!
- To take up your own cross you must be willing to let go of everything else. When we are not willing to be uncomfortable – or unconventional – we limit the changes that God wants to bring into our lives! Change can be scary and sometimes painful – it can mean giving up things and ways that we have become accustomed to; but if we want to live the greater life, the life of significance, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and let God use everything we have, including our relationships, pleasures and possessions.
- When we are not willing to honestly count and accept the cost, we are not ready to be truly transformed. If you want to go the distance, you need to know the cost of the trip, and be ready to pay it!
But there is one more cost to recognize, the cost of not choosing discipleship. Dallas Willard writes,
“Nondiscipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s over-riding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil…Nondiscipleship costs you exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him…”Lord, I accept the cost. Lord Christ, You are more precious to me than any thing. You are dearer to me than any other relationship. Your Kingdom come is more important to me than any dream or goal I may have of my own. The cost is worth it. You are worth everything. Amen
Be sure to check out Robyn's Thoughts @ http://robynhenk.blogspot.com for updated book suggestions, daily scripture reading, and more! Happy New Year
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