When we make choices in our lives we often weigh the costs and benefits when deciding. We look at how we are impacted, not just financially, but with our time and resources. This is countered by what we can get out of it. If we invest our time and money into something we are hoping to get a higher reward on the other side. We don't want to get less than what we put in, it's human nature.
I am an accountant in the service industry and have seen this in action. Decisions are made based on how much we get from our investments. Mostly we discuss the cost of our supplies based on what we are charging for them. Its not just higher benefits, but how much higher. Companies are very smart when they make wise decisions looking at their costs and benefits.
There is a lot of that in our walk with God. We look at the impact on our lives when we are called. How much will it cost? How much time and effort will I be putting in? What do I get out of it? How do I benefit?
When we apply these business principles in our faith, we tend to see that it doesn't work the same way. Because, we are looking in a worldly way rather than a heavenly way. We are told "store up treasures in heaven" as opposed to "earthly treasures which can be destroyed". We can get caught up in the tangible we see, our "security" blankets. If it's something we can see or hold - we feel a little more secure in our lives. We all do that in some way, shape, or form in different times in our life. We can be somewhat selfish.
We do the same when figuring the costs to our lives. We can find reasons not to give of ourselves physically, emotionally, or financially. Especially if we have to give of something which is our "security". That's especially tough to do.
These are the kinds of things which prevent us at times for following Jesus fully. The world and the enemy fight back, tell us a different story of security and treasure. Keep everything for yourself, get more, every person for themselves is the world's motto. It's a seductive proposition to all of us. Make ourselves comfortable first and foremost is very tantalizing.
Jesus calls us to different. He calls us to more than what we expect. He doesn't guarantee us a life of leisure or that we will not have problems. He tells us to expect to be persecuted for our faith and that we may go to some uncomfortable places. Jesus' ministry ended with Him dying on the cross before rising again. If He went through that suffering, why should we expect a life without troubles.
A funny story I read was that sometimes Christians believe that because we follow Jesus that the world will see this and like us. That they will acknowledge Jesus in us and be wonderful to us. The world fought against (and still does) Jesus. Why shouldn't we expect some resistance from the world?
So, there is a cost in following Jesus. We may run into resistance with our families, our friends, work, or school. We will face persecution (although as an aside we here in America feel like we are being persecuted for everything esp. if we aren't getting our way). This form of persecution can range from subtle to severe.
What is the end result? We are told the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 13:44 says "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field"
Imagine a great treasure like money, jewels, sports cars, Amazing Spider-Man #1 (surely I'm not the only one). The treasure is so much that people would sell everything else they had to attain it. Is there anything like that you would do that for? Give up everything you have, your entire security even? Think of the people who would have witnessed that man's behavior. They would have thought him rather odd for giving up everything for a field. They might have made fun of him or tried talking him out of that. Kind of like how the people of the world sometimes are to us.
When we follow, we need to be prepared to give up everything for our reward will be great. Greater than we can even imagine. Seriously, think of what the greatest treasure you could ever receive. Now, realize that doesn't come even close to what is waiting for us. All that has been given to us has been given to us by God. If he calls on us to give any of that up - will we be willing to listen?
I am an accountant in the service industry and have seen this in action. Decisions are made based on how much we get from our investments. Mostly we discuss the cost of our supplies based on what we are charging for them. Its not just higher benefits, but how much higher. Companies are very smart when they make wise decisions looking at their costs and benefits.
There is a lot of that in our walk with God. We look at the impact on our lives when we are called. How much will it cost? How much time and effort will I be putting in? What do I get out of it? How do I benefit?
When we apply these business principles in our faith, we tend to see that it doesn't work the same way. Because, we are looking in a worldly way rather than a heavenly way. We are told "store up treasures in heaven" as opposed to "earthly treasures which can be destroyed". We can get caught up in the tangible we see, our "security" blankets. If it's something we can see or hold - we feel a little more secure in our lives. We all do that in some way, shape, or form in different times in our life. We can be somewhat selfish.
We do the same when figuring the costs to our lives. We can find reasons not to give of ourselves physically, emotionally, or financially. Especially if we have to give of something which is our "security". That's especially tough to do.
These are the kinds of things which prevent us at times for following Jesus fully. The world and the enemy fight back, tell us a different story of security and treasure. Keep everything for yourself, get more, every person for themselves is the world's motto. It's a seductive proposition to all of us. Make ourselves comfortable first and foremost is very tantalizing.
Jesus calls us to different. He calls us to more than what we expect. He doesn't guarantee us a life of leisure or that we will not have problems. He tells us to expect to be persecuted for our faith and that we may go to some uncomfortable places. Jesus' ministry ended with Him dying on the cross before rising again. If He went through that suffering, why should we expect a life without troubles.
A funny story I read was that sometimes Christians believe that because we follow Jesus that the world will see this and like us. That they will acknowledge Jesus in us and be wonderful to us. The world fought against (and still does) Jesus. Why shouldn't we expect some resistance from the world?
So, there is a cost in following Jesus. We may run into resistance with our families, our friends, work, or school. We will face persecution (although as an aside we here in America feel like we are being persecuted for everything esp. if we aren't getting our way). This form of persecution can range from subtle to severe.
What is the end result? We are told the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 13:44 says "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field"
Imagine a great treasure like money, jewels, sports cars, Amazing Spider-Man #1 (surely I'm not the only one). The treasure is so much that people would sell everything else they had to attain it. Is there anything like that you would do that for? Give up everything you have, your entire security even? Think of the people who would have witnessed that man's behavior. They would have thought him rather odd for giving up everything for a field. They might have made fun of him or tried talking him out of that. Kind of like how the people of the world sometimes are to us.
When we follow, we need to be prepared to give up everything for our reward will be great. Greater than we can even imagine. Seriously, think of what the greatest treasure you could ever receive. Now, realize that doesn't come even close to what is waiting for us. All that has been given to us has been given to us by God. If he calls on us to give any of that up - will we be willing to listen?
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