The name of this blog is a reminder of the determination I made several years ago. Even if no one else will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, even if I face great hardships because of my decision, still I will follow Christ at any cost. It’s a daily reminder of my purpose and my mission. Being perfectly honest, this is not always easy.
I have my days where it seems that every choice I make is the wrong one, and I end up on my knees begging God to renew my spirit and make me more like Him. Still, my heart is determined to get up and move forward again. Where else can I turn except into the arms of the One who gives me life?
For those of you who have made the same decision, you recognize that there are sacrifices that must be made along the way. These sacrifices, however, are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The goal of following Christ is to know Him completely and to be wholly known by Him. This is our only mission and focus. When we allow our eyes to drift from this goal, we allow ourselves to be swept into the crowds, just another face in the sea of humanity. This is not who we were meant to be. We are a chosen people, called to be different and commissioned to live out that calling.
When we choose to follow Christ with all that we are, we give up much of what this world has to offer. What we gain instead is so much greater; as we acquire the heart of God we find joy and fulfillment in doing the things that please Him. There is far greater contentment in feeding someone who is hungry than in shoveling down that second piece of cake; there is more joy in giving $100 to someone in need than in blowing it on the latest electronic gadget that is destined to be forgotten in the back of your bottom drawer. What we do for Christ is of eternal value both in Heaven and within our own soul. Serving Him produces a character in us that is worth so much more than anything this world could ever make available.
Walking alone and following closely after Christ can be lonely at times, but we must never forget that Jesus is a constant companion. He is there at any time, day or night; He is never too busy to talk. His strength carries us through our weakest hours, and His light illuminates our darkest days. All we need to do is seek His face, and His glory and power will be given to us. It is the deal of a lifetime, yet so few elect to take it. We live our lives for short-sighted goals or worse yet for no particular reason. We live each day as if we were guaranteed tomorrow, squandering our time on meaningless pleasures that bring no lasting joy. How is it we could be so blind, lazy and ignorant that we would choose to invest our resources and our very lives into things that give, at best, temporary satisfaction? Instead, we can possess the warmth and pleasure of the living God; we can gain a lasting gratification through investing ourselves into the mission of Christ.
The momentary cost of following Jesus may be severe. Jesus told us that we might find ourselves homeless, hated and persecuted. He told us we may be required to leave our possessions and our families behind. We indeed might lose everything for His sake. If we do, however, if all these things come to pass, I assure you that the situation is temporary. God will rescue us and He will heal us. It may not be during our life on earth, but here is the beauty of following Christ. When our life is said and done, if we have been faithful to follow Him, we will be restored and we will be renewed. We will spend eternity with Him and we will see Him face to face. This is why I refuse to walk with the crowds. This is why I choose to walk alone if I must. Nothing on earth can compare to the splendor of the King I serve. He is all we desire and all we need. His hand reaches out to you; will you dare to be different? Will you dare to come out of the crowds and follow Him wherever He might lead, even if you must walk alone? The price is high, but the reward is great. Determine today that you will follow Him no matter the cost. This I choose to do; what about you?