Commitment

Luke 14 : 25 - 33

Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost......will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able.....

It is strange and sad that in most churches those serving the Lord in some way, however small, is usually only about 20 - 30 %. That's the number even when you consider the so called 'mega-churches'. I wonder why this phenomenon is so common. There is always a 'cost' in following Christ, as we are reminded time and again in God's Word. And in our daily lives we would always 'count the cost' before we embark on any plan. This is the usual way we would go about for example buying a car, choosing where and what kind of home to invest in......and so on. But it seems that the gospel is not something we give a similar deep consideration to. It may be a mere convenience, an insurance policy to heaven (just to make sure); while life goes on the same way here on earth. I always wonder what would happen if people were asked to first count the cost, before they receive God's gift of salvation. Yes, salvation is a gift and is not based on works. But Jesus always reminds us that a true convert or disciple bears fruit. And in order to do so, there is a 'cost'. I know that since taking my faith seriously, I have naturally had less time to pursue all the pastimes that I would like to. There are the same twenty four hours in a day and if I choose to be about the Lord's work, I would also have to consider what I am saying no to......much less television and light reading, much less aimless strolling in malls, and not taking as much time as I might for some of my creative hobbies. This does not mean that Christians are dull and cannot 'enjoy' life but that because of our commitment to the Lord, there are things we do choose to let go of, in order to reach for the goal.

Jesus asks each one of us, time and again: are you serious about following me or not?

It is a good question that I know will keep me headed in the right direction.