What do you do with the truth?

On the journey towards life, many people will discover that the good news about salvation in Jesus is true. This does not mean that they are prepared to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Because when you know the truth you will very likely start to ‘count the cost’.

I know this from my own experience. As far back as I can remember, I have believed in God, in Jesus and in what was written in the Bible, but I postponed the ‘surrender’ until the moment I could not resist the calling any longer. I was 14 and afraid of the cost of discipleship. However, I soon discovered that the gain by far exceeded the cost. Since then, I have observed others go through the same process.

The climatic crisis in the world today demands an analogue kind of decision. There seems to be scientific consensus that the crisis is a result of our unsustainable exploitation of the world’s resources. Further, I observe that an increasing number of people agree to this truth; however, the cost of reducing the benefits of the exploitation to save the planet, makes us postponing the dramatic decisions that need to be made.

So is there a cost of discipleship, and if so what is it?
Jesus is very clear that the call is to follow him. He calls us to himself, and he is very explicit:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24

I think this was the verse that kept me from surrendering; However, it took some time from the day of surrendering until I discovered what taking up my cross meant. The day I saw what it really means to die with Christ, and to raise with him to be a new creature in Him, became a moment of great importance. When I saw this, it made a fundamental difference for my understanding of what this is all about. With this in mind there is ‘no turning back’ – nor has it ever been a desire. 

Yes, I can be tired, disheartened and feel that I need new strength, but I know that this can only be found in Him – and nowhere else.

The question remains: What do you do with the truth?

The answer to this question is vital for your spiritual journey both before and after Jesus has become a part of your life, and He a part of yours.

‘Manna’ for today:

I will follow the truth to the life! (1)

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(1) John 14:6