“If any man come to me, and hate not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26).

On your marks- get set- go!  Many people start life as a race to be accomplished with great speed, seeking to pick up fame and fortune along the way; they run, eagerly searching for all that the world has to offer- but they lose in the end, never truly gaining the real prize, the way to eternal life. The apostle Paul stated it like this: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).

The account of the rich young ruler in Mark chapter ten is indicative of one seeking the way to obtain eternal life- he faced the true test when Jesus instructed him to go and sell all that he had and follow him. He sadly walked away because he had amassed great wealth. His trust was unfortunately placed in the things of this world…he was unable to turn loose of the physical things he possessed and take hold of riches far greater in Heaven- and he suffered the greatest loss of all, the right to eternal life. 

“If any man come to me, and hate not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26).  Jesus is not demanding that we literally hate our loved ones…but that we choose to love Him above anyone or anything else- it’s putting Him first!

My friends, there is a cost to discipleship; it is learning to be selfless, sacrificial, and committed . . .  allowing Christ to richly dwell within us, freely following where He leads- willing and ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish His will and not our own. 

The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Paul disregarded all that he had to know Christ and Him crucified, to have treasures stored up in Heaven where he would one day spend eternity.

What are you trusting in today- your job or educational status, 401K, illustrious home, youthfulness, and keen mental ability-while all of these are good in their own place… time gives evidence that absolutely none of them will last forever- our insight should be on seeking God for the knowledge and wisdom to use all that we have for His glory; praying fervently for those things which are spiritual and intangible such as love, unspeakable joy, inner peace. 

One’s ability to be longsuffering, merciful, and compassionate- committed to acts of kindness, lending a helping hand, comforting a downtrodden soul- being willing to share our God-given time, talents, and treasures with others as we pass through this journey of life.For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26).

The word of the Lord tells us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17).

No matter what we acquire…it all originated from God. To Him we must give the glory and recognize that only in Him can we know true peace and everlasting life.

We cannot truly begin to live a life of servanthood until we are willing to surrender all to Him. Romans 12:1-2 admonishes us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” It is not until we respond to God’s great mercy by offering our entire lives as “living sacrifices” that we truly begin to consider the cost of discipleship.

Let go and let God have His way in your life today and always!