Is it really worth it?

[Kat63]

I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to try and understand, so please, please don't be offended. This is just my own hypothesis based on my own understanding of parts of the Bible, and books I've read, and people I've talked to and observed.

It seems to me that to become a Christian means, very basically, that you willingly give everything you are (body, mind, and spirit), and everything you have (in some cases very little, and in some cases quite a bit), to become a servant of a God you can't see and don't always feel. Also, you willingly risk possible persecution and in some cases even death believing that something better (that you also can't see) is being built up, or waiting for you when the physical body dies. (sorry for the very long sentences)

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.

[tango]

You're quite right that you should count the cost before committing your life to Jesus. Some people are called to do things that might seem extraordinary to others, which might involve giving up everything you have, and everything you are. You may have to sacrifice all your personal ambitions as well as your personal possessions.

But think about it another way. When you die you can't take anything with you so in many ways the loss of physical possessions isn't such a big deal. Likewise after I'm dead and buried my personal ambitions won't count towards anything, regardless of whether I achieved them or not.

Some people want to be remembered after they die. While it might be nice to think that our memory lives on other than within our immediate families, does it actually make a difference? Was Mother Teresa any kinder because history remembers her? Was Hitler any more tyrannical because history remembers him?

I think Jim Elliot summed it up pretty well, when he wrote "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose"

[Whispering Grace]

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.

It is worth it because when I came to know Jesus Christ, I came to know the greatest love this world has ever known. It is that love which compels me.

I became the richest person in the world when I came to know Jesus Christ and put my faith in Him. He is my treasure! It is from Him that all love, joy, peace, and hope flows.

So giving up everything for Him is most definitely worth it. Even if He never offered me anything in return, I'd still love Him passionately and desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

[dljc]

I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to try and understand, so please, please don't be offended. This is just my own hypothesis based on my own understanding of parts of the Bible, and books I've read, and people I've talked to and observed.

It seems to me that to become a Christian means, very basically, that you willingly give everything you are (body, mind, and spirit), and everything you have (in some cases very little, and in some cases quite a bit), to become a servant of a God you can't see and don't always feel. Also, you willingly risk possible persecution and in some cases even death believing that something better (that you also can't see) is being built up, or waiting for you when the physical body dies. (sorry for the very long sentences)

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.Hi Kat,

Jesus also said this though:

Matthew 16:
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.


Matthew 11:
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.


It's not as difficult as you think to give everything you have and are to God. What good would it be if you gained the whole world, only to lose you soul?

Here is something to think about from Ecclesiastes 1:
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

As Tango pointed out, you can't take anything with you when you die, so do you really have anything that you can call your own anyway? Other than your soul as Jesus points out.

[apothanein kerdos]

I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to try and understand, so please, please don't be offended. This is just my own hypothesis based on my own understanding of parts of the Bible, and books I've read, and people I've talked to and observed.

It seems to me that to become a Christian means, very basically, that you willingly give everything you are (body, mind, and spirit), and everything you have (in some cases very little, and in some cases quite a bit), to become a servant of a God you can't see and don't always feel. Also, you willingly risk possible persecution and in some cases even death believing that something better (that you also can't see) is being built up, or waiting for you when the physical body dies. (sorry for the very long sentences)

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.

I wish all Christians thought like you did on this matter. You're not being offensive at all. In fact, I could easily picture Jesus asking the same question to those that wanted to follow Him.

It is worth it though. A relationship and redemption with the living God is far more valuable than any material item in this world.

If Christianity isn't true, then we have wasted nothing, for all temporary joy has no real meaning. If Christianity is true, then we have gained more by sacrificing more.

One of the biggest reason Romans would convert to Christianity is they would watch how he Christians lived and died. They would go to the Coliseum and watch how the Christians would rejoice and pray to God while the animals were let loose. There are stories of how many Romans would say, "I want to die that way" and would accept Christ...only to die later that day in the same manner.

It's all worth it - to live is Christ, to die is truly gain.

[tt1106]

Kat 63, Two years ago, I would have said Christians are crazy. I believed in Nothing. I was still a "good person" and even took my kids to Church, but I didn't believe. God revealed himself to me and my life changed.
Two years later, I have Given up many things, including swearing, anger, innapropriate movies (and television too) being compassionless towards my fellow man, I have even given up my hardened heart.
Now i meet with an accountability group and my wife and I are neck deep in church and the Word.
The Earthly things are matters of convenience and can be easily given up.
Now I enjoy matters of substance and purpose. I work hard to bring other people to the Lord, so they may know that all things are possible through Christ.
Giving up? I know plenty of people who live great lifestyles and they still cry themselves to sleep at night, thinking of the abuse they suffered at the hands of their parents.
They might drive a BMW, but insider they are empty and frightened and don't like themselves.
Jesus is the living water. All my worledly things may pass from me tomorrow, but I will still have the knowledge that I am saved. If I have a pillow to lay my head upon, it's more than my Lord had at times. If I turn away from an R-rated movie, it's because I'm thinking of the beating my Lord took on my behalf.
I KNOW that there is more to this world, than our moment on the Earth.

To live is CHRIST and to die is Gain. He is the only water that satisfies any thirst.

I remember the story of the 40 Christians that were put naked on a frozen lake by the Romans. One Brother in weakness abandoned the rest and ran off the lake, seeking shelter. A Roman soldier quickly disrobed and ran out onto the lake proclaiming I am a Christian now, I will die with you.

It's not the story of the 1, but the 39 that's important.
When you know the peace that comes from being in Christ and the Joy of the Lord, worldly things no longer have any consequence and happiness comes from other things.

I never thought I would be anything other than an atheist. I don't really see it as choosing to be one thing or another any longer.
It's like Algebra. Once you get the Proof, you can't unlearn it. If you were to get the same equation 1,000 times, you cannot choose a different answer.
For me, there is no other answer. Getting into God's word and understanding it (I used to not be able to read the Bible and understand it) that has made my life completely different.

Let's say there is no God and all my "giving up" has been for nothing, In the end, the only thing I have given up is myself.

[ServantofTruth]

Personally, i began to see how rich i was. How many blessings i was given freely every day and just had never noticed.

You might like to look at 1 Timothy chapter 6:1-10 and some of my favourite verses Matthew 6:25-34.

I'll pick out just one verse 1 Timothy 6:6 And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have.

My life is full of LOVE these days. Not man's love, the perverted constantly changing kind - God's Love for me, and my love in return and for all his earthly children. God bless your search, SofTy.

[Richard H]

Hi Kat, :)
Yes, that’s right, but consider what you gain – eternal life and even some inner peace here on earth.

Just because you have to be willing to give “stuff” up, does not mean you will have to.
Besides you can’t take “stuff” with you anyway.

The main things you have to be willing to give up is sin and always having things your way.
And He is there to help us overcome sin. It is a process which starts on the inside with no longer want to.
We never get to be sinless, though - except through faith in the sinless blood He shed for us.

Let me tell you two stories:
I used to have a killer speaker system: a super-tweeter, tweeter, midrange and a 16” sub-woofer. Both Pioneers - 74 lbs each.
I had them for around three years. I was so proud of them – a little too proud.
Up until that time the Lord had not really asked to “give up” anything.

One day while visiting a church for a few times, I felt that God really wanted me to donate my speakers to replace the terrible ones in the sanctuary.
I resisted. No! “This had to be some stupid thought of my own” But the prompting persisted.
So I made arrangements and drove up there to meet the pastor and give him the speakers I wanted to keep.

He barely showed any gratitude and didn’t even use the speakers in the sanctuary.
In fact, they wound up in the youth hall out back.
I was none too happy about all of this.

Then God began to show me: what happened to the speakers or how they were used - was not my concern.
I had given them up. Even by specifying a use for said speakers, I was still clinging to ownership.

It wasn’t that God wanted me to give up something, but I needed to learn something even more valuable.
There were many lessons for me but one was:
Pride of ownership is only temporary, but God’s mercy and love is forever.

Another more recent story:
When I first moved out to Arizona, there was a tree branch hitting the roof tiles. I needed to trim it.
I got the ladder and trimmed all the low branches and then few select ones, so I could reach this problem branch.
I even got a pole and some duct tape to make an extension handle for the manual tree saw.

This problem branch was tough to get at.
There was another in the way.
I cut what I could and then put some ropes over it.

My brother pulled on the rope, so if it came down it would not hit me on the head (despite my hardhat).
I cut some more until it was useless.
I ended up making a loop in one part of the rope and using it to jump up and down, while my brother pulled on the branch.

It would not budge. There was just too much (live) wood still attached and a lower branch was blocking it from bending to the point of breaking.
We gave up and I untied the knots and coiled up the rope.

As we were leaving, we walked on one side of a fence right under the tree.
There was a CRACK sound and the branch fell to the ground - neatly parallel with the fence – not at the angle it should have fallen.
I’ve done my share of cutting trees and branches and there is no way this branch fell by itself – not after our best efforts and the lower branch blocking it.

Ok – it’s not some major miracle, but the point is that the Lord is always there.
Sometimes He’ll even break a stubborn tree limb, just to remind His children that He loves us.

So don’t fear giving up anything, it’s really nothing anyway and if you’re willing in the first place, chances are He won’t ask you to get rid of it.

The joy of having a relationship with the God who created everything and yet is willing to snap a silly unmovable branch just for me - is pretty amazing.
I highly recommend it.
Richard

[renthead188]

I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to try and understand, so please, please don't be offended. This is just my own hypothesis based on my own understanding of parts of the Bible, and books I've read, and people I've talked to and observed.

It seems to me that to become a Christian means, very basically, that you willingly give everything you are (body, mind, and spirit), and everything you have (in some cases very little, and in some cases quite a bit), to become a servant of a God you can't see and don't always feel. Also, you willingly risk possible persecution and in some cases even death believing that something better (that you also can't see) is being built up, or waiting for you when the physical body dies. (sorry for the very long sentences)

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.

I'll be honest.

Sometimes, and I speak as a Christian, I've asked that of myself.

The answer is a resounding YES. There is nothing worth more than our Lord. Sometimes it's hard to see it, but He's true and He's here and He's worth more than anything this world has to offer.

It is astounding, though, how many people have made that choice in their lives in a few thousand years. How many have decided that this God (who you might not even believe EXISTS yet) is worth giving up everything in this world for.

There's a song that's playing in my mind...

"I'll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required. You search must deeper within, through the way things appear. You're looking into my heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship and it's all about You, it's all about You Jesus."

[DaniHansen]

Yes, it's worth it.

From the outside, it looks like we're making a rather perilous choice, and there is a very real cost to it.

After 16 years on the "inside" however, the truth of the matter is that, as I have given up what I thought my life was, and who I thought I was, I found this whole new person, who is the "real me" that God has created, and I must say I quite like her, although she is still a bit rough around the edges. I'm sorry if that sounds conceited, but that's the truth of it. God doesn't create junk. :)

And that's really just a very small cherry on a very big ice cream sundae, with whipped cream and everything, because to have a relationship with the real Jesus, who is my best Friend, who is always there for me, and who can actually make sense out of this crazy life, is wonderful beyond words, and absolutely worth giving up everything and anything for. Besides, God never loses what we entrust into His care.

So the cost may seem high. Yes. But the return is ... not even comparable. It's something difficult to understand until you live it.

Because those who would lay down their life, will find it, indeed. :)

And, good for you, for asking these questions beforehand. That will spare you a lot of surprises and possible disappointments later. A lot of people enter into a relationship with Jesus only knowing partial truth, and then wonder later what happened, and struggle harder than they ought to, instead of heading down the right path from the beginning. :hug:

[Kat63]

It seems that all of it, every aspect of Christianity, is a matter of trust.
You trust that the Bible is true. You trust that there is a God. Then you put your trust in that God.
So how does someone who has no trust in what can be seen learn to trust something that can't be seen?

[tango]

You're right that a lot of it takes trust. The thing is, you've probably learned not to trust people you can see due to being let down by them before. When you trust God and over time learn that he does not let you down, your trust in him grows.

[ConservChrist]

What would you really be loosing?

When you die, because, you will die, everyone does, what will you be loosing?
Everything.
Everything you see you now, everything you own, everything you ever knew, won't matter anymore.

Please don't take my words harshly, I mean them that way not. But what I'm saying is, no matter what you do. No matter if (<-- that's a BIG "if") there is a heaven or hell or just plain nothing, you still loose it all.

So, what are you really giving up?
So we could play the "what if" approach. What if it all is a lie? What if God doesn't exist? What if the bible is fake? What if all of this isn't real?

But...

What if it is?

Are you one willing to sacrifice what could be for what is?
Or are you one willing to sacrifice what is for what could be?

[Gulah Papyrus]

My point of view is that it is the ONLY thing in this world that has any worth at all...without Christ, nothing has value. I know a statement likie this could cause you to assume that I am some fundementalist Christian loon type who is completely over the top, but that is not the case. It's simple philosophy. All love comes from Jesus Christ and there is nothing outside of love that is wothwhile or holds any kind of value IMHO.

So, YES, it is as worth it as anything you will EVER do could be.

:2cents:
:)

[Chimon]

While everything you said it true, I think you may be missing the whole truth.

Being a Christian also means sharing in the abundant life that Christ gives us right now. I wrote about this very idea in this entry. (http://iamtheworkingtitle.blogspot.com/2008/10/jesus-party-animal.html)

[Sold Out]

I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to try and understand, so please, please don't be offended. This is just my own hypothesis based on my own understanding of parts of the Bible, and books I've read, and people I've talked to and observed.

It seems to me that to become a Christian means, very basically, that you willingly give everything you are (body, mind, and spirit), and everything you have (in some cases very little, and in some cases quite a bit), to become a servant of a God you can't see and don't always feel. Also, you willingly risk possible persecution and in some cases even death believing that something better (that you also can't see) is being built up, or waiting for you when the physical body dies. (sorry for the very long sentences)

So, is it really worth it?
I know I'm probably over analyzing this, but isn't it Jesus in the Bible that says to count the cost?

Sorry this is long, and once again, I'm just trying to understand, not offend.

To BECOME a Christian, all one must do is realize they are a sinner in need of a Savior and ask Christ to save them.

Living the Christian life is where sacrifice comes in. It doesn't affect our salvation. A person can get saved and choose not to serve God. They still get to go to heaven, but with much regret and no rewards.

For me personally, I am so grateful for what Christ did for me, that the least I can do is live for Him.

[tt1106]

It seems that all of it, every aspect of Christianity, is a matter of trust.
You trust that the Bible is true. You trust that there is a God. Then you put your trust in that God.
So how does someone who has no trust in what can be seen learn to trust something that can't be seen?

Alas, the heart of the matter. We walk by Faith not by sight. The Lord takes you down that path. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth...
Kat 63. It's a process. Even though you may have the revelation, believing is an active verb. You have to turn from sin, study his word and become his disciple. When these things come together, then the Lord takes you down the narrow path. Each day becomes easier than the next. Every day the Lord exposes more of himself in you and shows you which portion is not from him.
I cannot explain the miracle in my life. I can tell you that I CANNOT imagine how I lived beforehand.

[simonpetra]

Kat...

It is true that we cannot see God in person and sometimes don't feel His presence in our lives. But it's not true that we blindly trust the Bible. There are many many books and info on the authenticity of the Bible and that it's an accurate historical book. Not just a book of faith.

The best resource I can think of now is the Alpha Course which discuss all these questions about the Bible and the Holyness of Jesus.

Because I struggled to trust, it helped me alot to know I'm not trusting in just a book of stories that might or might not be true. Now that I know how perfect the Bible is, it is easy for me to trust in The God of the Israelites and His Son Jesus.

[ƒσяєяυииєя]

Hey Kat,

A verse related:

"And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 14:25-35.

Go well


______________________
Peace and so forth

-"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation..."[Salvation from what?.]
-Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominio and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Romans 1:16; John 8:34; Jude 1:24-25.)

[ConqueredbyLove]

It seems that all of it, every aspect of Christianity, is a matter of trust.
You trust that the Bible is true. You trust that there is a God. Then you put your trust in that God.
So how does someone who has no trust in what can be seen learn to trust something that can't be seen?

You know, that is a supurb question! And, it sounds to me that you really do want to know! :hug:

I will be honest with you, it has been difficult for me. But, through the years, God has proven to me that He is a trustworthy God.

Because, when we come right down to it, that is the issue...Can this God that we claim to believe in and Who wants us to give up our whole life for be trusted in? In other words, is He faithful to keep His word and His promises to us?

As to your question, "Is it really worth it"?. Every time I come to a hugh crossroads in my life as to whether to continue following this God or turning back that is the question I ask myself.

But, I can honestly tell you, I know Him well enough now to be able to say that I know just one look in His beautiful face and eyes and there will never be another question in my mind as to whether it was worth it. For that is the greatest hope of the Christian....To finally behold, face to face the beautiful Face of God.....I have experienced His love enough to know
that it is a love truly worth living and dying for......

Hugs to (((you))):hug:

[ƒσяєяυииєя]

It seems that all of it, every aspect of Christianity, is a matter of trust.
You trust that the Bible is true. You trust that there is a God. Then you put your trust in that God.
So how does someone who has no trust in what can be seen learn to trust something that can't be seen?

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1 John 4:20-21



__________________
Peace, and so forth