“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
As much as we might like for it to be different, the demands of discipleship never change. It is as it has always been — all or nothing. They are the same for everyone, involve everything, and forbid us from withholding anything. Jesus never lessened His demands to increase the number of His followers. It is what it is. The One who gave all demands all, and His desire is never unreasonable (Rom. 12:2). If you are a believer in Christ you are to be a follower of Christ, a disciple – one who learns and puts what he learns into practice. And that demands full surrender to Christ.
The sad thing is that many want the provisions of Christ, but not the path of Christ. They want blessings without burdens and happiness without hardships. Some followed Jesus just to see His miracles, hear His teaching, and eat His bread. Others hoped to rule and reign, but they believed not and betrayed Him (John 6:64). Seeing the cost they opted for a different course and refused to commit to His commands.
Claiming Jesus is your Lord, as so many do, is meaningless without evidence that you have indeed surrendered yourself to His authority and sought to do His will (Luke 6:46). Your neighbor doesn’t care about what you say or what you sing, he watches what you do. It’s our practice, not our profession, that proves our possession of Christ.
We should never forget the price our dear Savior paid for us. The fact that Jesus paid it all should motivate us to give Him our all. Anything less is a shame. He deserves all that He demands and delights in those who give it. The question is, “Do you want what God wants?” How you answer not only tells a lot about who you are, it determines what you do. If you don’t want what God wants from you, what do you expect from Him? Here’s something you need to remember – What God wants from you is because of what He wants for you, and that’s something you don’t want to miss. God is not only good to you. He is good for you! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
