The Cost of Following Christ

This week our speaker was from right here on the Link Year staff. Our very own Brian Wang spoke, and did an incredible job presenting his message. His main theme for the week was the cost of following Christ in a world that pulls you down. In his vary first session he gave an analogy that will stay with me for a long time. It was simple but so true. He said how at 211 degrees, water is just really hot, but at 212 degrees is boils and creates steam. And steam can power a locomotive. The only difference between boiling and not boiling is one little degree. Here is a video that explains this further:

So what does this have to do with the cost of following Christ? Brian explained that so many of us live our Christian lives at the 211th degree. We don't give the extra effort or go the extra mile. However, what does Jesus call us to do? The verse that Brian based his whole talk on was Luke 9:23 which states, "Then he [Jesus] said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" This is one of the hardest verses for me to read and follow, because it requires that I completely let go of all my desires and plans. Brain pointed out three things that we need to understand as we follow Christ: 

1) Self Denial

2) Complete Dedication 

3) Willing Obedience 

I can say that I want to do these things and really live by them, but when I look at my life it is nothing like this. I live for myself. I'm only dedicated when it's easy. My obedience is based on my terms. This video by Francis Chan speaks into this and it blew my mind: 

 

I love Jesus as a savior, but do I love Him as a role model? Do I really want to serve how He served? To live how He lived? The truth is that I don't. I am too attached to this world, to my future plans, to my comfort. But what does Paul say in Philippians 3:7-8? He considers all the pleasers and possessions of this world garbage in comparison to knowing Christ. In other words, they do not even come close. Brian's left us with some really challenging questions to end, such as, what "garbage" do I need to get rid of in my life to fully pursue Christ? and what is keeping me at the 211th degree? I will constantly have to be asking myself these questions because it will always be a struggle to let go of living for myself and give my life to God. It's a daily struggle, but thank God that He does not expect me to do it on my own. He is always there to help me. I just need to be willing. 

Hope that convicts/encourages you as much as it did me. 

Thanks for reading!