Are You Willing to Pay the Price?

"Believing is accepting as a fact and making a commitment of your own future to the promises of God to save you -- simply by believing in Christ."  - John F. Walvoord

Everyday, people like you and I are faced with life-changing situations. They could personal, financial, work, or health related. No matter. A decision must be made that, in one way or another, will affect their lives. But at what cost?

Of course, we can apply this to any thing, cause, or belief that we are passionate about. Something that is truly worth the trouble of pursuing, or seeing through to the end is going to have some kind of price tag attached to it.

But, not every one is willing to "pay the price" for what they believe in. Take the young rich man in Matthew 19:16-22, for instance. He was willing to do everything Jesus required except walk away from his wealthy lifestyle.

The early followers of Christ, the apostles, left homes, jobs, and families behind to follow Jesus. But it wasn't all blue skies for them, either. Scripture tell us that they were "hard pressed on every side" by troubles (2 Corinthians 4:8).

There are definitely some things to consider prior to choosing Christ. It's no big secret that it won't be a cakewalk. There will be some changes in your life, some good, others not (Luke 21:16; Luke 21:17).

And so it is with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, or not. There is no arm twisting involved. It is your free will decision to make. This, however, does not imply that we are "free" to do whatever we want in life. We must choose our actions responsibly.

As this applies to following Jesus, it is by the grace and power of God, and the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we are "free" to choose Him, and receive the benefits from our choice (John 15:16; John 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:24).

Thus, we seriously need to think about the choices we make concerning Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be a shame to find out too late that we squandered the biggest opportunity ever set before us, because we weren't willing to pay the price?

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; John 6:47; James 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:14

Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask You in undoubting faith to provide the wisdom I need to help me with whatever decisions I am faced with in life, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Barbara