This week’s blogs clearly have a common theme: the concept of obedience has been weighing heavily on our hearts. Today, we want to share a simple thought. As mentioned in the previous blog, our obedience often comes with a cost. While it won’t compare to the sacrifice that Christ made for us, it might be uncomfortable, nerve-racking, and even painful. However, we should strive to follow the Lord, keeping in mind that no sacrifice we make can match what He has done for us. Our hearts should be convicted as we follow in obedience, knowing, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.” Amen?

That truth isn’t just relevant in ministry; it applies to every part of our lives—marriage, children, grandchildren, family, work, school, and even leisure activities. That’s why truly surrendering to the will of God can often be a struggle for us.

Listen to the words of Jesus in Luke chapter nine.

It’s such clear instruction, yet we often hesitate to fully embrace it because, by the world’s standards, it costs too much. Deny myself? What?! Are you saying I can’t ____________? My kids/grandkids won’t be able to OR will need to ______________? My marriage or parenting will have to do without OR will need to include __________________? I have to do ____________ instead of __________ ?

And while the second-guessing could continue, let’s not forget the excuses are endless, aren’t they? We hold on to so much for the sake of tradition, appearance, acceptance, convenience, selfish-pleasure, and stature…. when Jesus desires for us SO much better. Yet there are times we are content to invest our time, energy, money, talents, and affections in the things of this world, rather than the things with eternal value.

We understand what it’s like to hold onto things. Trust us, we really do! However, we want to challenge you: you cannot passionately carry your cross while also clinging to the things of this world. You will have to drop something … and unfortunately, more times than not it’ll be the things that matter most to Jesus.

Today, this word stood out in the verse above: daily. We must make intentional decisions every day to ensure that is not true in our lives, marriages, homes, and ministries. Obedience isn’t a once-and-done kind of thing … it is a daily choice.

Might we filter our decisions in such a way that we are found to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding, Beloved!