As a Christian have you ever thought about what it costs to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Well, the short answer is that it will cost you everything! But before you think about the high price of being a follower of Jesus, I ask you to consider some of the amazing benefits that accompany those who choose to cast their lot with our Lord.
First, all believers in Christ, as they read and study the Bible, get to find out the answer to life’s three big questions. We get to know how life began, what happens when we die, and what is our purpose in life. Without truly knowing the answer to these three questions, life becomes an exercise in futility as we wander searching for real answers that sadly, we will never find that satisfy our souls. Since we are all born with a spiritual vacuum that only Jesus Christ can fill, only the Christian can fill that void that the non-believer will always struggle to fill.
Second, the Christian will find that as a follower of Christ they can experience true joy, and lasting peace of mind. One of my favorite verses is (Psalm 16:11): “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Imagine knowing what path of life you should travel on, that you can experience fullness of joy, and eternal pleasures as a believer. Not only that but (Psalm 119:165) tells us: “Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Yes, even during the storms of life the Christian, that stays close to Jesus, can have amazing peace.
Third, for those who follow Christ they can experience awesome encouragement as they dwell on who they are in Christ. For Scripture tells us that we are created in the image of God (Genesis: 1:27), that we are God’s treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2), that God has a myriad of precious thoughts towards us (Psalm 139:17-18), that we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17), that we are the temple of God and that His Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16), and that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own special people, (I Peter 2:9). Wow!!!
And fourth, we Christians get to know with certainty that when life calls us home, we get to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior in eternal bliss, in a glorified body, on a perfect new earth, and in the presence of Jesus!
Now at the beginning of this devotion I said that following Christ will cost you everything. Below are a few of the things you will have to give up as a believer in Christ.
First, you will lose some friends and make some enemies. I like what A. W. Tozer said: “To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.”1 Being a Christian means you will not be very popular with many people as you share with them that they are lost sinners that need to repent and come to Jesus.
Second, you will have to give up lying, cheating, gossiping, and a host of other behaviors that the world often engages in.
Third, places and things that you used to go to and do such as watching sexual movies, living the party scene, making lewd jokes, and cursing, you won’t be able to attend and do anymore.
And fourth, if you were pro-abortion, you will need to become pro-life, if you thought you could cheat on your spouse, now you can’t, if you spent more time in a host of immoral behaviors, now you must change, and if you thought all religions lead to God, now you will have to cast your lot solely with Jesus.
These behavioral changes may not always be easy but no one ever said that following Christ would not cost you a lot. However, in my humble opinion, the benefits of knowing what your purpose in life is, (to glorify God and enjoy Him forever), of getting great joy and peace, knowing how special you are to God, and that you will inherit eternal life trump what you will have to give up every time.
My friends worshipping, loving, and serving Christ is the best decision I have ever made with my time, talents, and treasury. Yes, I have had to give up many things and change my way of thinking and living, but knowing how special I am to Jesus and how worthy He is to be praised and worshipped have made all the difference. Christianity is by far the best worldview, and the best lifestyle period!
I must stop gossiping