If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you’ve got to love Him more than your own family, more than your own life. Don’t begin your journey as a Christ follower until you count the cost, because if you’re a disciple of Jesus, it will cost you something.
Christianity isn’t a game; it's a radical way of life. For some Christians it may cost them their job because they are unwilling to do some things that other people will do to keep the job. It might cost you some relationships, some family members may not understand. It may cost you some popularity, because you are not going to do what everybody else is doing. In some parts of the world today, if you claim the name of Jesus, it can cost you your life.
Lately I've been evaluating my level of commitment. I would encourage you to do the same. If you would like some examples of people who have counted the cost, here are some examples:
Philippines
China
China
Eritrea
Turkey
This is just the "tip of the iceberg" of persecution that is occurring around the world. I wonder - how would I respond in the face of this kind of persecution. I wonder how many "Christians" in America would respond facing this kind of persecution. My guess is - not very well. We have a pretty difficult time getting "Christians" to church on Sunday if the weather is too good, or if the weather is too bad. You might as well forget it if they knew that there were men who would kill them for professing Christ. Perhaps my view is too shallow - but I just have a hard time believing that people who can barely live for Christ would immediately be willing to die for Him.
I know what you mean. Too often Americans live in our "comfort bubble" and we're very fearful of anything that threatens it. We're way too comfortable.
ReplyDelete