COUNTING THE COST?

Part 2

 

Let us continue with counting the cost.

Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 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. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lost his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

So what Jesus is saying is that if you want to follow Him, you will have to deny your wrong emotions and your wrong ideas. You have to ask the question, how would Jesus respond, how would Jesus act, and then be obedient, even if it means death.

What is the world going to give you if you try to live its way….eternal separation from God forever (the lake of fire). But if you stand up for what is right, and you stand up for the Word of God, you may lose your life down here, but you will spend eternity with God forever.

Even if you have everything this world can offer, and yet your soul isn’t turned over to Jesus Christ, what have you gained? Nothing!  This life is short.  There is nothing in this world that can fill the void of your soul except Jesus Christ.

Let me ask you some questions. How important is your soul?  Are you ashamed of Jesus Christ?  What about your family and friends?  Are they more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ?  Who are you trying to please?

You must forsake everything that keeps you from serving the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. Forsake means to leave behind or abandon.

Would you build something without sitting down first and counting the cost?  Of course not.

Jesus said, “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

My friend, what is your relationship with Jesus Christ?  Remember you may fool people, but there is no way you can fool God.

Father, you know my heart.  I don’t want to be a fake.  Show me how to be real in you, God.  Eternity is forever.  Once this life is over, there is no second chance. Teach me to live this life a moment at a time. In Jesus’ name.

Mark 8:34-38 / Luke 14:25-33

   May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.