Reflecting on this week's messages, the thought that "you WILL lose when you choose, but you will win in the end" is still on my heart. We have become so stagnant in our walk with Christ that often we instinctively reject any choice that we perceive as too time consuming or too self-denying. Making the choice to serve Christ WILL cost you. What are we really willing to give up to follow Christ wholeheartedly? Are we willing to suffer ridicule? Endure hardship? One of the best examples in the Scripture of a servant of the Lord who was willing to count the cost for serving the Lord is King David. Although David struggled and no doubt brought much sorrow to the Lord, he had a tender heart of repentance when faced with the knowledge of his wrongdoing. One such example is found in the book of I Chronicles. Confronted with the huge cost of his own sin of pride, King David asks of Ornan a piece of property where King David can build an altar and seek God's forgiveness. When Ornan gladly offers him FOR FREE not only the use of his land but the wood and instruments for the offering, King David explains that he will not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing.
We must understand that to be a disciple of Christ, it will cost us something. And, to grow in grace, we must be willing to pay that cost. But, when we consider the great price that was paid for our salvation, is any cost too high? If we do suffer persecution...if we do lose friends...if we are left out and made fun of...well, what of it? Christ endured all these things and so much more. And, yet, He paid the price. Whatever the cost, may we be found faithful.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 24
Matthew 1
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