In a world teeming with distractions and material wealth, the concept of giving up everything for a higher purpose seems almost alien. Yet, this is the very essence of what it means to truly follow Jesus Christ. The parables and stories shared in the Bible are not just historical accounts but are profound lessons on the sacrifices and commitments required to enter the Kingdom of God. This article explores the depth of such commitment and challenges us to reflect on our willingness to surrender all for the sake of divine pursuit. Many people are miserable because they claim to have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, yet they have not been willing to pay the price.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a man who discovered a treasure hidden in a field and to another who found a pearl of great price. In both instances, the finders recognized the unparalleled value of their discoveries and were willing to sell all they possessed to secure these treasures. These parables illustrate the sheer joy and recognition of worth that the Kingdom of Heaven represents, prompting individuals to forsake all in pursuit of the Kingdom of God far greater than earthly wealth.
The Lesson of Mary’s Alabaster Box
Mary’s act of breaking her alabaster box, pouring it all out and anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume is a vivid demonstration of unreserved sacrifice. Her treasure, stored in the alabaster box, was all she had out of her broken life of prostitution that Jesus saved her out of. By pouring it out on Jesus, she displayed an act of worship and devotion, signifying that nothing she possessed was more valuable than her love for Christ. Mary’s action teaches us the essence of true worship—giving our best, our all, to the Lord without reservation.
The Rich Young Ruler: A Contrast in Commitment
The story of the rich young ruler presents a stark contrast to the willingness to give up everything for his own salvation. When faced with the decision to sell all he had and follow Jesus, he walked away, unable to part with his great wealth. He wasn’t willing to give it all! This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to follow Jesus demands a total surrender of our lives, including our possessions, ambitions, and desires.
Counting the Cost: It Cost You Everything
Jesus explicitly stated the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:25-33, emphasizing that deciding to follow Jesus and giving Him “all” may cause division among family members between your loyalty to Jesus. It is then you must decide whether to go back and “follow them” or move forward to continue “following Jesus” with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He illustrated this through the analogies of building a tower and a king going to war, teaching that following Him requires careful consideration and the willingness to give up everything. This radical call challenges every believer to evaluate their commitment and decide if they are ready to pay the price for true discipleship. Jesus was undoubtedly clear about the cost of following Him “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Doctrines of Demons
Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son in Christ Jesus, warning that in the last days there will be doctrines of demons. This refers to the influence of demonic forces, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, which manipulate people into spreading twisted truths, distortions of Scripture, and outright lies, redefining what is right as wrong, and what is wrong as right. The sole purpose of these deceptions is to lead people away from God, leading them astray. Those who embrace these doctrines of demons are essentially following the “father of lies,” as Jesus says, with an allegiance to Satan – following Satan, “who is a murderer” and lying is his native language. Jesus clearly tells us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
This underscores the critical importance of not merely accepting someone’s word or assuming the veracity of what you hear. It necessitates personal verification by consulting the Bible directly and focusing on the red-letter words of Jesus. If Jesus affirms something as true and even the most influential minister contradicts it, that minister is a liar, and Jesus is the truth. As it is written in Romans 3:4, “Let God be true, and every man a liar.”
Jesus said, it will cost us everything, period.
Misery in Indecision: The Peril of a Lukewarm Life
Living in a state of indecision, caught between worldly desires and a full commitment to Jesus Christ, results in a miserable existence. Just as Elijah challenged the Israelites to stop wavering between two opinions and choose whom they would serve, believers today are faced with the same decision. A lukewarm, indecisive faith is unacceptable to God, and only a wholehearted commitment will suffice.
The lukewarm have too much of God to be comfortable in the world,
and too much of the world to be comfortable with the church.
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17
Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16
The Call to Action: Decide Today
Your urgency to make a decision cannot be overstated as no person is promised tomorrow. Like the men who found the treasure and the pearl, and Mary, who gave her all to Jesus, we are called to a point of decision. The American church, reflective of the broader society, stands at a crossroads wavering between two opinions is being beckoned to abandon lukewarmness and indecision for a fervent, all-in commitment to Christ.
The words of Jesus in the Bible are not mere stories but are calls to action. They beckon us to examine our lives and question whether we are willing to give up everything for the Lord. It’s a decision that requires courage, faith, and a profound understanding of the value of the Kingdom of God. As you reflect on this truth, consider your own commitment and whether you are prepared to say, with conviction, that Jesus is worth everything you have. The choice is yours, and the time to decide is now. Think about how simple, yet powerful your life will be when you decide to give Jesus everything you have, and everything you are because He is worthy of it all. Your loyalties will no longer be to yourself, others, or your stuff, things and wealth, but to Jesus alone.
A Hundred-Fold as Much
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30
Never Forget, Salvation Is Free, But It Costs You Everything!
Jesus fully paid for the sin of mankind upon the cross when He was offered up as a sin sacrifice. However, it is those who live according to the Spirit of God who are the sons of God, those who give everything to Jesus for the privilege of salvation who are saved. There is nothing we possess that compares to the price God paid by giving His Son, Jesus, for our salvation. Yet, it becomes obvious when we withhold our stuff, things, and wealth that we are choosing it over Him, showing Him that it is our god, our idol that we serve, as did the rich young ruler. Jesus gave it all; all to Him we owe! Salvation is free, for we are saved by grace, through faith. It is a gift of God, not of our own works, so we can take no credit for it, yet it cost us everything. Ephesians 2:8-10
Find out more how you can decide to be all in for Jesus today!