Count the Cost

 

Favorite Scriptures Day #14

Yesterday was a fun day. I took the day off with Stephanie and traveled to Nappanee, Indiana to visit a dear friend. Yesterday was our 47th anniversary and wanted to spend the day together. It was four hours of driving, lunch, walking through the local park with our friend Marlene and all-in-all it was a very restful day. After spending time in Seminary and Ordination work through the Church of God, I have realized how important REST and time away is to my mental and spiritual health. My Fridays are important days of rest, but it seems there is always something to do and easy to fill up a SABBATH Day with activities. So, taking the day off yesterday was important.

As I was reading my NEXT FAVORITE SCRIPTURE, I was reminded how difficult it can be to pastor a flock, but also to be fully devoted to Jesus. I have had so many people wonder why I would want to become a pastor so late in life when most people are just resting and enjoying the last phase of their lives. But, I keep looking for places in scripture where Jesus or any of the ancient prophets spoke about retiring, kicking back, and not serving. I just can't find it. I remember an important commitment I made at church camp over 50 years ago. That night I gave my life to JESUS, I remember specifically making a commitment to "FOLLOW JESUS ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE." Following Jesus means living in his will, obeying him, regardless of the cost. until the day Jesus calls us home. There might be a start date, but there is NOT an end date. Our commitment is for ETERNITY. 

"If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else -- your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters -- yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:25-27, NLT)

I love the next line as well. "But don't begin until you count the cost." I have to admit, at twelve years old, making the commitment to Jesus, I never counted the cost. As I grew older, I realized there truly is a cost to serving Jesus. I also admit I was not always willing to pay the cost and many times ignored God's guidance and direction, but my Father in Heaven remained faithful. HE remained fully committed to me. Now that I have lived a wonderfully blessed life in the Lord, I realize the COST of following Jesus is great, but very worth it. 

We never retire from ministry. Sure, the older you get, the more difficult it is to get your body moving, the greater the challenge to get your mental gears turning, the more trials we face just getting through the day, and the more I realize the cost of discipleship. But, beyond the cost, the joy, peace, and rest, is amazing and I praise God for the chances I have to get true rest. Thank you Lord for all your love, peace, joy, kindness, and patience with this servant and thanks for the day off yesterday!