COUNTING THE COST

 What does it mean to count the cost ?  It means what is expected of GODS saints when they first made the commitment to answer the call and be chosen.  

When Jesus said, “count the cost” , he meant that his followers must fully understand and commit to the immense sacrifices required for discipleship, including forsaking worldly attachments, worldly ambitions and even their own lives to insure they are not just impulsive believers who quit when things get difficult but truly dedicated disciples who are willing to give up everything for him, understanding that this complete surrender leads to profound spiritual reward.  

The rich young ruler was not able to do this because he did not want to give up his wealth in order to follow Jesus.  It says he went away sorrowful indicating that he did have some inkling of what it was he had turned down.  GOD and Jesus will not force anyone to become a disciple, it is a matter of answering the call, the rich young ruler did not answer the call therefore he was not chosen.  Many are called but few are chosen.

The innumerable multitude, the church of GOD at Laodicea that exists along side the Philadelphia church did accept the call and they were indeed chosen but due to the cares of this world, the desire to be rich and increased with goods needing nothing was their fault.  They forgot the cost of being a disciple and because of this will be required to give up their lives as martyrs whereas the Philadelphia church kept the words of Jesus and never denied his name.  They were willing to sacrifice their lives if it was his will but because of their dedication will be protected / sealed from the horrors of the great tribulation, that hour of trial that will come upon the world.  Revelation 3:10

Then Peter asked Jesus, Matthew 19:27 , “We have given up everything to follow you, what then shall we have ?”  The answer Jesus gives is in Matthew 19:28-29   Anything we have in this life is nothing when compared to what GOD offers us.  This life is only temporary and everything in it but the life to come is everlasting and everything in it.  We give up the temporary to gain the everlasting.  Would you be willing to do this ?  

At this time GOD has not chosen us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation.  Even if GOD and Christ ask you to do something that will cause your first death you are still guaranteed everlasting life in the kingdom and avoid the second death.  

Being a true elect of GOD will make you different from the carnal world because you will be guided by GOD working in you and HIS love the spiritual force in your life.  Perhaps this may lead to problems with family, friends and employers because you will not compromise the will of the spirit of GOD and Christ. Some people may think you are crazy, some see that you are different but none truly understanding why. 

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD.  It is the death of the old you, the evil sinful you, to be controlled by the spirit of GOD that you must never quench or grieve.  Surrender must be total and complete.  It begins at your conversion and grows throughout your life and perfection is only achieved when after being faithful and enduring to the end you will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, into a glorified immortal impeccable spirit being.  

This is the future GOD and Jesus want for you and though free to us it came at a great price for GOD, the death of HIS son.  This Jesus gave us the example of how we follow him in how he followed his FATHER, a total and complete surrender of his will to his GOD and his GOD worked in him to Will and to do all HIS good pleasure.  GOD lived in Jesus and Jesus lived in GOD.  NOW, with the saints both GOD and Jesus live in us, we are their property, they own us, we submit willingly in love for what they have done and will do for us.