To be a disciple is to give everything for the sake of Christ. As we prepared to walk into the Holy Spirit, we were reminded of the cost. It seems a great amount to give up everything: our stuff, our hearts, our expectations, our rights, etc . . . But when looking at the reward of our obedience and the wholeness of living simply for Christ, the sacrifices can hardly be called such. I challenge you to read this list of costs and ask yourselves if you would be willing to pay the price to follow in the ways of our Savior.
-We must love Jesus more than anyone and anything, even ourselves. (Luke 14:25-27)
2) -We must love the other members of the Body of Christ and place others ahead of ourselves. (John 13:34-35)
3) -We must abide in His word and obey His commands. (John 8:31-32)
4) -We cannot be ashamed of Jesus or of the Gospel we profess. (Luke 9:26)
5) -We must abide in Christ (the vine) and remain in Him so that we might bear fruit as a witness to our discipleship. (John 15:5-8)
6) -We must be willing to renounce and give up all we have and do so if He asks us to do so- especially if those things might become idols in our lives. (Luke 14:33; Mark 10:17-22)
7) -We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Jesus by completely surrendering our will to His. (Luke 9:23-25; Matt 16:24-25)
The reward comes from Mark 10:29-31. Our loss is ourselves but our gain is the Kingdom of God.
Comments
Comment created and will be displayed once approved.