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When 156,000 American, British, and Canadian soldiers landed at Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. More than 4,000 Allied soldiers died during that World War II battle. What a high price, and an enormous sacrifice! Most people agree that although the cost was high, the decision American General Dwight D. Eisenhower made to launch the invasion was a noble one, and the goal of defeating the Nazi regime was worth the sacrifice.
Jesus admonishes us to “count the cost” of being His disciple (Luke 14:25-33). In fact, He said, “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33). How much are you willing to lose for the Lord?
Will You Give Up Family? Jesus certainly loved His mother. Submitting to His parents (Luke 2:51), and later telling John to take care of her after His death (John 19:25-27) are clear evidences of this fact. However, He also placed obedience to the Father’s word above family (Luke 8:20-21). Jesus loved God more. Is that too high of a price to pay?
Will You Give Up Self? Jesus was God in the flesh (John 1:1,14), but He lowered Himself and took on the form of a bondservant, coming in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:5-8). He deemed the goal of salvation to be worthy of His sacrifice. His disciples put this example in action themselves (Luke 9:23; 18:28; Phil. 3:3-11) by denying self. Is that too much for us to pay?
Will You Give Up the World? Jesus said He was not of this world (John 8:23), and neither is His kingdom (John 18:36). The cross meant suffering the shame and scorn of the world. The world will treat you this way, as well (John 15:18). If we chose the Lord, we must reject the world (James 4:4). Will you accept the cost?
Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com