What about Them?

## Attention Soldier

After high school, I was like many that had clear idea what they wanted to do. I felt called to go into ministry full-time, but wasn’t sure how to go about it exactly or if that’s really what I wanted to do as a career. A few of my friends decided to go in different armed services and tried to get me to go along with them, but I didn’t feel it was the right decision for me. A handful of years later, one of those friends invited me to visit him at the marine base he was located at which was roughly an 8 hour drive. He explained his whole experience and said to me, “I’m glad you didn’t come with me. You would have gotten us both in trouble.” (He’s referring to me being a class clown in school and I probably would have laughed when I would get corrected or yelled at.) It wasn’t long after the visit he called me up to let me know he was receiving an honorable discharge due to knee replacement surgery. The military is open for everyone to consider joining, but at the same time it has exclusivity as well. They want willing men and women to serve the country proud, but if you have certain issues or limitations, you can’t join. Just google “disqualifications for joining the military” and you’ll get a good bit of information at what could prevent you from serving to a degree.

## All and Exclusive

Jesus says in verse 26, “If anyone comes to me…” meaning anyone can come forward to follow Him. His call is to everyone, but there are qualifications to be a disciple of His. The invitation for salvation is free, but as it says in 2 Peter 3:9-10, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any

should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” He doesn’t want anyone to be rejected, but that all repent (also see John 3:16-17).

## The Cost

A problem that’s been on the rise in churches is the way we view the cost of discipleship. There is a cost at following Jesus. There is exclusivity in becoming a disciple. Salvation is a gift, but discipleship has a cost. There’s a story in the Bible that illustrates this perfectly – the rich young man. He’s the perfect church attender. He’s wealthy (no more debt). He keeps the commandments. And he makes the initiative to come to the feet of Jesus (altar or church doors). Who wouldn’t take this guy in their church? And yet Jesus says that there is one thing left if you want to be part of following Him – sell (or leave) everything behind. Discipleship comes at a high price. The Greek word “hate” carries two meanings: 1) to detest, and 2) love less. The first of these two definitions appears to be the one Jesus speaks about. When you detest something, you inwardly want to cause harm or show hostility. Jesus doesn't want us to cause physical harm to one another or ourselves, which eliminates that first definition of detesting, therefore the second is more accurate. In order to be a disciple, we must be "all-in." When we have interests or devotion to multiple things, then we can easily be okay in everything and excellent in nothing. When we get married, the Bible tells us we leave one family to "begin our own." This doesn't mean we no longer associate with our family, but our devotion and loyalty have changed. The same principle applies here. Following Christ isn't a group decision, but your own decision. You shouldn't look to the left or right and compare. Following Christ is a personal decision, one that may bring severe suffering, even to the point of death. In other words, Jesus is saying if you want to be His disciple, go ahead and prepare yourself for the possibility of suffering

and dying because of that decision. But that decision is yours, and yours alone to make.

## Self-Check

Did you decide to follow Jesus because you happened to be in a group going in that direction, or did you decide for yourself that this is worth the possible risk? You may see some that are living well in a nice home, and others seeking God for their next meal. God has called each individual and has a unique purpose, so don't sit around and compare- follow Christ, even to the point of death. If you want to be a true disciple of Jesus, then we must give Him our complete loyalty, even if it means going against our own family.

## Attention!