What Is It Going To Cost You?

 

On this walk with Christ I've learned that it's gonna cost you something (maybe even everything) to live for Jesus. It's gonna cost you losing some friendships, it's gonna cost you some time, it's gonna cost you some tears, it's gonna cost you some lonely and/or sleepless nights, it's gonna cost you some hurt, pain and rejection, It might even cost you your life, etc... BUT it's ALL gonna be SO worth it!!!

 

 It cost Jesus His life, so why do we think that living for Him is going to be a piece of cake?? I always think of Jesus and how He was willing to give up everything He had to gain us. It cost Him His life! I always have to stop and pondered for a moment and asked myself this question: What makes us Christians think that we don't have to let go of anything/everything to gain Him...? 

1 Peter 4: 1-19 says:

Living for God

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.  For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Suffering for Being a Christian

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

James 1:2-4 says: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".

We were called to be Christ like so why do we get surprised or upset when we have to let go of certain things in our lives that go against what's in the Word of God?

Don't be surprised when you give your heart to God and you start living for Him and you start losing friends and relationships start ending,  and you're being rejected, hurt, etc.. I learned to be happy in those moments because I know that I must be doing something right on this walk with God. People will always hate you, reject you, mock you, make fun of you, especially when you're doing the opposite of them and are living completely sold out for Christ. I just want to encourage you all to not give up in those times! Keep pressing/pushing forward God will reward you! I know that it’s tough, believe me I do, I’ve been there and am still there. The good thing is that God will ALWAYS be right beside you; He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. Trust Him!

*Remember it's going to cost you to follow Jesus but it cost more not to. ;)

Your sis in Christ,

-Joy :)