I am often asked why life isn't problem-free for followers of Christ. Doesn't the Bible promise all sorts of good things for those who give their lives to Christ? Even long-time believers come to expect that God's primary job is to make them safe and comfortable. When life doesn't work that way they feel a spiritual disconnect. I feel it in my own spirit during times of trial.The Bible is filled with great promises. I listed several in a previous post. We claim our promises generously but sometimes live out our discipleship in carefully measured doses. This week I ran across this artwork (accompanied by a great promise...and one I truly believe). The graphic points clearly to the cost of discipleship - following Christ and becoming more like Him.
What does it mean to be a disciple? Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:34-36). Would you still sign on to be Jesus' disciple if you knew it would lead to the lions of the coliseum in Rome? What kind of disciple are you?
Wow! You need to read Joel Osteen's books! Seriously, I have recently been reading out of Fox'x Book of Martyrs and I have reached the conclusion that in our "American Christianity" we are not real excited about suffering for the sake of the cross. I am afraid that in the not too distant future, Christians in this country may be faced with great persecution and it is my prayer that we are able like the Apostle Paul to say "I reckon that the present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us!"
ReplyDeleteThe graphic really grabbed my heart. Discipleship is costly. I think you are right...the day is coming for us as it has already come to much of the world.
ReplyDeleteI am really begining to understand that this is something I have to do DAILY, and today, I am honored to die for Christ. Tomorrow I will have to go before Him and ask for strength to do that again.
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