Counting the cost…selling my posessions to be a follower of Jesus
S–So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
H–This truth is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Unless we give up “our” possessions and become Jesus’ possession we cannot be a follower of Jesus. In our American culture we try to find ways to dance all around this issue because we are in love with our possessions. In fact, we actually have tried to make being a follower of Jesus into a person where Jesus gives us more possessions. We love our possessions; but yet Jesus is very clear in this scripture, we must give up our possessions and let Him possess us if we are going to be a follower of Him.
A–On Tuesday there was a terrible earthquake in Haiti and last night as I was in the comfort of my home watching American Idol on my HDTV there were/are people that have lost everything (who had nothing to begin with) and are in the midst of a great tragedy. Since this past fall Amanda and I have been convicted about our lives and possessions. The first of which is our home. It’s a nice home for us; nothing extravagant. It’s 2000 square feet, 3 bedro oms, 2 ½ baths, and a bonus room. However, it’s a home that prevents us from being the followers of Jesus we desire to be. We would love to be able to have money set aside that we could send (above and beyond what we give) during times of brokenness like with the Haitian earthquake; however, because of our home we are not able to help. Our $50 or $100 we can send is not the $500 or $1000 we would like it to be able to send or feel called to give. We’ve been thinking about this for a while and two weeks ago we scheduled a realtor to come to visit to help us get ready to sell our house. It just so happens that she comes today. I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and a “good and faithful servant” from the Holy Spirit today. Our parents and family think we are crazy and think that there is no way we can downsize from where we currently are but our heavenly Father is pleased. I’m convicted that I am part of the problem and I desire to be a part of the solution. I desire to be a follower of Jesus; to sell my possessions and be possessed by Him.
P–Lord Jesus, I’m sorry that I am not the follower I should be. I pray that you would continue to convict my heart and show me ways that I can give you more of me. Help me not to be enslaved to my possessions but be possessed by you. Be with those in Haiti today and everyone that is suffering. I pray that followers of you would sell their possessions and be possessed by you and that you would use us to care for those that are broken in this world.
E–I am a follower of Jesus; I am a follower of the one who possesses me
Peace,
Pastor P
www.wedesiremore.com; chadpullins@connect2crossroads.com
Chad, God is awesome. You inspire me. Thanks for leading.
THIS IS TRUE WE WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING AND WERE BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF. IT IS SOME TIMES A HARD JOURNEY. Putting God first and following Jesus is always the right way. We all must follow our heart because that is where the Holy Spirit lives. Everything is a journey and we have to make the hard decisions that we come across. If we chose the right one we are blessed, and if not we will stumble. It may not sound good at the time but through God we will prevail. Thanks for the post.