Commitment to Christ Has a Cost

"More than once Jesus deliberately addressed certain issues that quickly diminished the number of onlookers. It was commitment that thinned the ranks." - Chuck Swindoll

We make or engage in commitments of one kind or another practically every day. There are work commitments, relationship commitments, family commitments, school commitments, social commitments, and so on.

I suppose you could say that commitments are just another part of living life. The word commitment can be defined as: "The act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself." Making a commitment increases both the worth and risk of something.

When one makes a commitment it should not be taken lightly. Likewise, when you or I make a commitment to follow Christ it should definitely be taken seriously. Many treat coming to Christ as a one-time exercise in faith; the baptismal being the final act, then we're done! But, wait! There's much more to it than that.

Jesus, himself, pointed this out to his disciples after they had  followed him out into the desert for some relaxation away from the crowds not far from the city of Bethsaida (Luke 9:23). For all who would choose to follow Him, there is a cost to be paid. He laid out the price and terms in clear, large-size print (Luke 9:24-27)!

Jesus always drew big crowds wherever he went. But, most followed him only because of what they thought he was in their minds. They thought he was the Messiah who would usher in the restored kingdom and free them from Roman oppression. For a while, even his own disciples started believing the hype that the "kingdom was coming soon" (Luke 19:11).

After Jesus began teaching about his own death at the hands of the Jewish leaders and Gentile rulers, his celebrity ranking took a serious drop. All of this shocking talk about his death, and the possibility that he really wasn't who they thought he was, caused many to reject him. They just couldn't exchange their own ideas, plans, and desires for His.

They weren't faithfully committed to Him. They only wanted to follow Christ as long as it was on their terms; without any commitment on their part. There were also three people mentioned in Luke 9:57-62 who appeared willing to follow Jesus. But, after some questioning, he found their level commitment was not really there. They didn't realize how much it would cost them to follow Jesus.

I know we've been talking a lot about "costs" here. He tells us in Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24; and Mark 8:34 to, "Take up your cross and follow Me." This is where the "cost" kicks in. What does it "cost" to follow Jesus Christ? If you think you're ready to commit, or "take up your cross," you'll need to sincerely consider the following possibilities:

Choosing to follow Jesus might cost you some friendships. Choosing to follow Jesus might isolate or cut you off from your family. Choosing to follow Jesus might damage or destroy your reputation. Choosing to follow Jesus might mean losing your job. Choosing to follow Jesus might cost you your life.

I know this all may all sound extreme, but these are actually consequences in many parts of the world today. Let me also point out that these things might not necessarily happen to you if you choose to follow Christ. They are just some items to carefully weigh in your mind if you are willing to "take up your cross."

A commitment to Jesus means that you have to do it everyday. You must be willing to give up your hopes, dreams, possessions, and in some cases, even your life for the cause of Christ. In order to be called His disciple you must be willing to take up your cross (Luke 14:27). There's no other way, no short-cut, or back-door.

There was a television commercial several years ago for a major credit card in which the tag line was "Priceless." Jesus followed His call of death to self with the gift of life in Christ (Matthew 16:25-26). If you are ready to make your commitment to Jesus Christ, the reward is well worth the sacrifice, the reward truly is "priceless."

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Hebrews 11:6: Psalm 143:10; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:5

Prayer: Dear Lord,  Thank you for bringing my spirit up to where it is now. I commit my spirit into your hands. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and let me breathe the air of your presence. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Sara