The Cost is High

There's a temptation for those of us insulated by years of church tenure (that's not a slam!) to give seekers (those interested in the things of Christ) and new Christ-followers an unrealistic picture of what it means to follow Christ.  It's not that we plan to do it, but we often give the false impression that once you start following Christ, life just gets better and everything is okay.  In a sense that is partially true.  Unfortunately, "better" often translates without explanation as a life free of pain, sorrow, hurt, wounds, conflict or trouble.  Nothing could be further from the truth if you frame the Christ-follower DNA from a biblical world view!     

Several years ago while attending a conference, I heard Erwin McManus (author and pastor of Mosaic Church in L.A.) say, "The center of God's will is not a safe place but the most dangerous place in the world!"  He would later write that line in his book, "An Unstoppable Force" and then follow it up with this one: "God fears nothing and no one!  God moves with intentionality and power.  To live outside of God's will puts us in danger; to live in his will makes us dangerous....How could we ever think the Christian faith would be safe when its central metaphor is an instrument of death (the cross)?"

Remember Jesus' words to the rich young ruler?  "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor!"  THE COST!  Remember Jesus' words to Peter in Luke 9?  "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."  THE COST! And what about His warning to the disciples and ultimately us in John 16 regarding future sufferings for His sake: "They will put you of of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.  They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.  I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you."  THE COST!  Again, Jesus to the disciples in Mark 13:  "You must be on your guard.  You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues.  On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them."  THE COST!  

These aren't meant to be exhaustive examples, but simply scriptural reminders that a Christ-centered life is anything but "safe".  If we are really trying to live out the teachings and example of Jesus in our daily lives there will be trouble, heartache, disappointment and persecution.  As Christ-followers we need to be honest with people who are considering the claims of Christ.  We can't let our desire for people to know and follow Christ obscure the truth that following Jesus is costly and tough.  We live in an age when people are craving authenticity.  It's time we (the church) delivered, even if it means some people, like the Rich Young Ruler will walk away. Remember, we are to share the Gospel, and model it's truth in ministry and service, but the decision to follow Christ is still up to the individual, just as it was for every one of us who call Him Lord.