Mark 8:34
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
As a consumer, you want to know what you are paying for. Before you purchase a home, you inspect it; before you purchase a car, you drive it. You try on new shoes and new clothes to make sure they fit. You want to know what you're buying into. Jesus asks his followers, "who do you say that I am?" He wants to make sure they know what they are getting into before they give their lives to him. "You are the Christ," Peter replies. Peter and the disciples buy in to what Jesus is teaching. You and I do too, but are we willing to pay the price?
The price is denial of oneself and carrying a cross that might be heavy. The wage is denial of self. Jesus is not looking for a boatload of money to trade for the kingdom; he's looking for a verbal and total life commitment. He's basically saying that if you promise to commit your entire self to me, then I'll give you eternal life. He goes on in the next line to ask two questions: "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life?" Part of this sacrifice is giving up things of this world. Are you willing to give up the ball game to spend more time in prayer? Are you willing to give up an afternoon at the movies in order to spend time visiting the sick and those in prison? Recall the story of the rich young man who has done everything, yet was unwilling to sell his possessions and follow Christ. We wonder, whatever came of him. You can be sure that discipleship has a price. Are you willing to ante up to get in the game? Are you willing to pay the price to follow Christ? It can be a significant price, but to not jump in is a mistake that will be regretted for eternity.
