Giving up things is hard.
Whether it's forced or voluntary, sometimes we just have to let go: Bad habits we need to break; Interests and activities we don't have time for or are taken from us; Relationships; Jobs; Homes; Lifestyles; Freedoms--yes, even in America.
We don't like it. We avoid it wherever possible. We fight tooth and nail to keep what we have and cling to our comforts, our way of life, even our vices that aren't really good for us. We know it, but still...
One time when a great crowd of people was following Jesus, He spoke these words:
"Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciple."
With a bit of word study, I learned the phrase "everything you have" can not only pertain to one's possessions, but also one's being. Jesus wasn't just talking about giving up riches or material goods, but also oneself: My way of being, existing, living.
We've all learned a lot about that during this pandemic, haven't we? Time with others. Time for ourselves. Jobs. Security. Rest. Personal freedoms.
Whether we put on a mask for the benefit of others or because it's mandated, it's uncomfortable. It itches, fogs up our glasses, feels claustrophobic, and hides the smile we try to put on, even in the midst of our own discomfort.
Our way of life has changed. And for the most part, the changes, and even the benefits of change, were not our choice. And while choosing to follow Jesus is entirely an act of free will, a personal choice I have made, the terms of that choice are not without cost. Following Jesus is all about surrender. Giving up my way of life and being, for His way. Giving up my agenda, for His. Letting go of what I want, for what He wants.
And yet, I did it, and I continue to do it. (Following Jesus is a daily choice, not a one-time decision.)
Why would I do that? Why would I give up my way for someone else's way?
Because God's way is better.
Not always easier or convenient or comfortable; but better. More beneficial; More satisfying; More rewarding; More productive; More purposeful.
In His words about the cost of following Him, Jesus warns these wanna-be disciples they may not be up for it, even insinuating they may fail: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you...Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?"
Thanks for the pep-talk, Jesus.
But hold on. Jesus finishes his message by declaring His words are for "whoever has ears to hear", a distinction Jesus gave to those who were really listening. Not only to His words but also the heart of God. He wasn't talking about failure or defeat coming to those who choose to follow Him and give up their own ways, but rather the cost of not following. Independence, self-sufficiency, pride, thinking I can make it on my own and fight my own battles and gain the whole world by giving up my soul? Foolishness!
But surrender to a mighty God? Giving up my ways for His ways? Love over selfishness? Peace over strife? Joy over despair? Faith over doubt?
Pure gold.
On another occasion when Jesus was with his closest disciples, He spoke these words:
"Everyone who has left their home or family or livelihood for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will truly know Me and My Father. But many who cling to what they have will find they have nothing, and those who have let go and humbled themselves will lead."
If
Jesus is telling you to let go of something, let it go. And if
something has been taken from you--perhaps many things, it's okay. Jesus
will always give you what you need, and even if you have to wait for
awhile, the reward for your trust and patience and faith will be so
great--you won't even believe what He does.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Scripture taken from:
Luke 14:28-35
Matthew 19:29-30; (paraphrase mine)
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