FIGURE THE COST

Good Morning My Loves, How would you feel if you gave your children specific instructions that if followed, would protect, provide, and propel their lives, and then the moment they left your presence and began being influenced by their friends and their own will, they decided to change the instructions to fit their own desires?

How would you feel if you took time to say it, write it down in very specific details, give it to them to take with them wherever they go, and then you overheard your children having a discussion about what they read and heard you say?

One child says, “Our parents said we were not to get involved in this.” Another child says, “Our parents didn’t really mean that, they won’t care (sounds like satan to me…”Did God really say you shall NOT…?"….Gen.3:1). We like doing this. They love us and would want us to get to do what we love to do. Besides, all our friends are doing it, and they would want us to love our friends and not make them feel bad. They will not confront us or discipline us, because we have a relationship with them, and they’ll accept what we’re doing!”

Any good parent is going to stand behind their word. They are not going to change their word, to fit their child’s desires or disobedience. They are not going to reward that kind of rebellion. That parent will still love their child, but they will not “ENDORSE” the rebellious child. However, they will reward and honor the one who stayed true to their word and instructions. This is happening every day in our increasingly rebellious culture. We have a generation that is trying to “change the Word of God” to fit their sin, rather than allowing the Word of God to deliver them “from” their sin. For those that don’t take God at His word, the minute a mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son, spouse, or BFF decides that God is wrong about something that challenges their flesh, they cave-in and begin to endorse their sin in an attempt to “love” them, and not offend them. This does “nothing” to help that individual break free from the bondage that ensues. This is why Jesus said we must be willing to disconnect from the opinions of even our own family, even our own life and opinions, and take up our cross if we are going to be his disciples! There is a cost, and many are not willing to pay that price, so they cave-in and endorse what Jesus shed His blood to deliver them from. Luke 14:26-27The Message (MSG)

Figure the Cost

25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.

Love is NOT the absence of truth. However, truth that is absent of love is harsh and will not be received. So, we must find that balance. -We must not waiver in our stand for truth.

-We must not add to His words, or we will be found a liar and will be reproved. We don’t cease to be His child, but we will experience His chastening. We can either take the road of obedience and reward, or the road of disobedience and reproof. Solomon said it like this: Proverbs 30:5-6 (ERV)

5 You can trust this: Every word that God speaks is true. God is a safe place for those who go to him. 6 So don’t try to change what God says. If you do, he will punish you and prove that you are a liar. My beloved, God’s word is a refuge and a safe place. It’s not wise to run away from Him and try to find safety in the opinions of man. It may cost you some relationships, but ultimately it will save your life, and potentially the lives of those who are watching you. Don’t be a weak disciple that vacillates between two opinions. God is right. Period. Take up your cross and follow Him! He who honors God, God honors! I love you all! PV