I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
Giving up things is hard. 😞
Whether it's forced on us or our choice, sometimes we just have to let go of things: Interests and activities; Relationships; Bad habits; Goals; Freedoms--yes, even in America.
We don't like it. We avoid it wherever possible. We fight to keep what we have and cling to our comforts, our way of life, even our habits 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 friends and family; Activities we love; Celebrations; The freedom to do whatever we want, when we want.
Our way of life has changed. And for the most part the changes 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. 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 purposeful.
In His words about the cost of following Him, Jesus warns these wanna-be disciples they may not be up for it, even suggesting 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."
Thanks for the pep-talk, Jesus. 😏
But hold on. Jesus finishes His message by saying 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 day 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 things have been taken from you, 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. 😊
Scripture taken from:
Luke 14:28-35
Matthew 19:29-30; (paraphrase mine)
