Political debate is currently dominated by arguments over the
cost of living. Unemployment is falling and there are other signs of economic
recovery. But with costs rising and incomes staying the same, people are still
feeling the pinch. Things aren’t helped by the fact that some of the big energy supply companies have recently announced hefty price rises. It’s not
for me to use this post to sketch out my solution to
this problem. Sadly I don’t have one. That’s the job of politicians, not
pastors. But talk of the ‘cost of living’ got me thinking of some words of
Jesus.
Some charlatan preachers might tell people that becoming a
Christian is the route to an easy life, but Jesus made it clear that there is a
cost involved in following him, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny
themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24). For some
that may involve losing their life for Christ’s sake. On Sunday 22nd September two suicide bombers headed for All
Saints Church, Peshawr, Pakistan and blew themselves up. Eighty five members of
the congregation were slaughtered in what was the deadliest ever attack on
Christians in the country.
Thankfully, Christians don’t face such dangers here in the
UK, but living for Jesus is still costly. It involves devoting the whole of our lives to his service. Yes, Christians gather for worship on a Sunday, but
following Jesus means more than that. Going to church on a Sunday is meant to
equip believers to serve the Lord throughout the week. English Missionary to
China C. T. Studd had it right when he said, “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then
no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." That’s the cost of living
for Jesus. Are you willing to pay the price?
* From November's News & Views, West Lavington Parish Magazine.
No comments:
Post a Comment