Working here among the community of this group of ordinary radicals that daily put others needs before their own causes me to pause and consider myself in light of what I'm witnessing. Go with me on this... When Jesus spoke in Luke 14:26 he used some pretty strict language:
"If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple."
Counting the cost of fervent pursuit of Christ is sobering. Living a life that forsakes all of our human desires and worldly pursuits in order to place Jesus will be a constant struggle between flesh and spirit. I wrestle with this on a daily basis. Am I going to keep to the confines of my self perceived comfort zone? Or am I going to follow Christ at all costs?
When God rescued me at the age of 14 I knew that I was in for the most adventurous life I could possibly live- all in humble loving submission to Jesus my Savior. God's grace continues to amaze me more and more in light of what I mess I am without Him. The only thing that's good in me is Jesus.
I was texting with my dad the other night about theology, following Jesus, and discerning God's will (you know, the usual texting conversations- hah). I was expressing how I struggle between wanting to follow Christ no matter what, and the nagging human heart that beats inside me to a selfish march onward to self-gratification. What a real struggle that is for (I would venture to say) most Christians.
So back to the passage in Luke- one commentary reads, "no earthly affection, must ever come into competition with the love of God." Alright. I will most certainly have to submit to this daily, even hourly. God didn't promise us comfort- in fact, he guarantees trials (James chapter 1, honey).
Counting the cost of a life lived for God is a good and faith-building practice, yes. But to that I would also say- counting the cost of not following Christ is far more sobering and humbling. It gives a lot of eternal perspective.
