A minute in God’s Word will change your life. Take a moment to read the text below and then ponder the questions at the bottom of the post.
25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33 “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple. Luke 14::25-33 (MSG)
Reading this text in the context of surrender, ask yourself ……
When we come to Jesus as disciples, do we really count the cost or is it just a term we throw around?
How do we take the things that are most dear to us and be willing to let it go?
Can we do that in our own power?
Do we come to Jesus willing to surrender so we get what we want?
Are we surrendering so he’ll pretty us up and make us look good or are we coming willing to be used however for whatever his purpose is?
Do we even understand the difference?