“Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33)

     Jesus tells us to count the cost of being a disciple.  What’s involved in this cost?  It’s being committed to Christ, keeping him at the center of your life.  This means taking on a new way of life, asking God to help make some changes in attitudes and actions.  This affects our relationships because we commit to loving God more than anyone else.  This does not mean that we stop loving others—in fact, our love for others can increase when we have God’s love within.  Your security isn’t in possessions; it’s in the eternal security that God gives you.  Material things become much less important to us.

     Obviously, there are some things we give up, but consider the freedom we have of not being tied down to the deceptions of the world.  Freedom comes at a cost, but it’s worth it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a choice.  Our prayer goes out to the people in our lives who still need to make the choice for you.  Search their hearts, letting them know how much you love them.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.