Count the Cost



1st Peter 4:12-19

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And If it is hard for the righteous to be saved what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

I must say that after this past week, I definitely would rather be on the receiving end of someones sly comments, accusations or harsh words. Being a Christian comes with that, its not the first time and it won't be the last. I know I can take it and I know that really when they call me names based on my beliefs, they are really just mad that I carry Jesus with me, at least I hope I do, and I am alright with that. Really they aren't insulting me, they are saying things Jesus heard himself and they aren't saying anything that has relevance or that is new. They just don't like MY beliefs and convictions. They don't like what I stand for and who I trust in. They can't understand that Jesus being Lord, is BETTER than anything this world has to offer. Any drug they do, sex they have, food they eat, music they hear or play, and clothing they buy. Better than anything, because He fills every part all at one time. See when you eat a great meal only your stomach is really being fulfilled and only until time passes that you are hungry again. See with Jesus, He fills your WHOLE body, all your senses at the same time and nothing is left out. Because of this you can feel totally satisfied all at the same time, your spirit AND your flesh. These people who don't know this kind of AMAZING satisfaction want to see harm come to me and they want to see the name of Jesus tainted. Can I just say that I REFUSE to let that happen! I will do all I can to preserve His name and endure their ridicule. I am ok with their comments because I count the cost, I count it as joy to suffer because of Christs name! But let me tell you that this too isn't for the weak hearted. In first and second grade there was a girl named Gabby that simply didn't like me because I loved Jesus. She made all MY friends turn their backs on me and tell me that they couldn't be my friend simply because of Gabby. They all told me that they couldn't tell anyone and that we had to be secret friends. WOW! Everyone in my class knew that I loved and shared Jesus. I was always encouraged at home and church to share with others. So that is exactly what I did no matter what it cost me. Now I honestly don't say this to boast or show what a great christian I am, believe me I mess up ALL the time. ALL THE TIME!!! I say this to show that even as a young child this has been something I have dealt with. There are different things that we bare because of the name we carry, but this, the discrimination, the persecution(even in small ways) the weight of bearing Christs name. It is so worth it, because in the end I get the better deal. JESUS WINS!!! See I count the cost EVERYDAY, and so no matter what anyone says or does to me, I KNOW the name I carry, I know the weight I bare, and I know the cost I take up every single day. No matter what anyone says to me, God says I am NOT! No matter what the world says, God says that I am His beloved. It doesn't get any better than that. Besides Jesus bore so much more and endured so much more than I ever could. He carried MY SIN on that cross, the least I could do for Him is be disliked. Thank you Jesus that I carry Your name. Thank you for the people who pick on me because of you, I count it as Joy. Thank you Jesus that You, and ONLY YOU, give me the grace and strength to make it through. I pray that I will respond like you would to them and that you would allow me to love them. I love you and thank you for it.

I wake up, go to work and am aware that I am being called all the names in the book, I just want to be the best example of Christ I can. I count the cost, DO YOU? Are you WILLING TO?

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