i had a conversation with a friend just a little bit ago in which a thought was spurned. mark and i were talking about the books that we are writing, and in our discussion something spurred my mind to think about the cost of following Christ. i remember, he told me i was a good sales man, and we started talking more about my calling to the ministry. and this got me thinking, in a way i am selling something. i am selling the Christian lifestyle, in a sense.
think about it. so often i think we have this mind set that it doesn't cost anything to follow Christ. i think many churches preach this, or at least give this idea, and many "Christians" give this impression as well. but i do not think this is right. when we break it down, when we look at what it really means to be a Christian, to follow Christ.......it costs. and it is not just a small down payment either. sure, we accept Christ as our Savior, but there is so much more! it is about completely surrendering yourself to His will and control. it costs you everything. i love Jeremy Camp's song "Tonight" because this is what he is talking about. paying the price to follow Christ, to live up to the claim of being a Christian. we must pick up a cross and follow. iv said it before, following Him is not a walk in the park.
see, there is this other idea that following Christ is full of fun, happiness, flowers, birds, butterflies, whatever happy things you can think of. but the reality is that it is not. that mindset is an illusion concocted by Satan himself! the reality is that Jesus was very clear that if you follow Him, it would be rough.
why? look what He went through. honestly, when was the last time you sat down and studied, contemplated and meditated on the sacrifice Jesus made? for me, it has been a while......and that is changing. i am calling you who call your selves Christians, even those who are thinking of following Christ, to think about it. realize that Jesus is asking for more than just a yes. He is asking for action to back it up. more than this, He deserves it.
don't follow blindly.
Friday, November 16, 2007
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2 comments:
liked it, but i was a little confused by your last comment bout not following blindly. isn't that after all what we all are called to do - follow blindly, yes we have the bible and we have god's works, but i think a blind faith is still required because that is ultimately a sign of pure belief/acceptance/obedience. i've always thought those who could follow "blindly" by simply listening to the instructions given to them is admirable in gods eyes as well as our own.
i hear what you are saying, and i agree. what i mean by what i say is that you should strive to know what you believe. something i believe every follower should do, through study, prayer, reflection.
i desire the faith of a child, to follow without question.
i see so many people say they follow Christ, or commit to it without really understanding the cost of it, and then go on living their life as if nothing has happened. that is what i mean by following blindly. understand the cost of following Christ as best you can. but dont lose the child like faith. i know, it sounds kinda complicated. but i dont think it is at all.
thanx for the comment ryan, and i want to see that blog!
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