Nobody has unlimited resources. The Bible is very clear that following Jesus is costly. The whole notion of cross-bearing discipleship involves giving up something to gain the Kingdom. I love Jim Elliot’s famous quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” For the most part, in order for me to gain ground in an area of sanctification – there has to be a loss of ground in my old, selfish desires to satisfy the flesh.
What would my life look like if I really trusted the words, the way, and the will of Jesus, and shaped my life accordingly?
I would be more accepting of others, and less critical of their shortcomings.
I would spend more time entertaining my kids and less time being entertained by my TV.
I would give more money to the less fortunate.
I would pray more and worry less.
I would use more energy doing what Jesus says to do and talk about it less.
I would feel more thankful and less entitled.
I would love my wife more and be less of a jerk.
I would talk more openly about how precious Jesus is to me and deny him less.
I would hide more of the Word in my heart and fill my head with less triviality.
I would pursue more things that stir my affections for Jesus, and engage in less activities that numb me.
II Corinthians 7:1 – “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
