IT COSTS TO BE A CHRISTIAN

The true Church of God is built on the blood of its Redeemer. The blood that was shed on the cross of Calvary is the foundation on which the edifice is being built. To be a part of this true Church, one should be willing to shed his or her blood too. This is the price one pays to be the disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ. Tertullian, one of the Early Church Fathers of the second century, says, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

As a Christian, there is a cost to be paid. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 – “24…“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” The path that we are called to walk, demands from us our everything. This is not an easy path to walk. John Piper explains the same in these words – “Authentic discipleship may exact from you the highest price relationally and the highest price physically.”

I know of a man, who became a Christian some time back, close to where I live. He had to leave his family, and his everything, to follow His Saviour, the LORD Jesus Christ. As on date, this pastor’s family disowns him, and considers him dead. The father even built a tomb for his son, and performs their religious rituals, that they do for dead people, each year. What a cost to pay!!!

This pastor is poor, yet his prayer is not for health, prophetic word and prosperity. His prayer is, to be found faithful, by His Redeemer, and his LORD. What a contrast to many of our prayers. No wonder, the Church is so powerless and so poor, if not pathetic, in these days.

May the LORD help us to be found faithful and obedient to Him, who called us out of darkness, into His marvellous light…to show forth His praises – 1 Peter 2:9-10.