Do You Have What It Takes?

Do You Have What It Takes? The question is, "Do you have what it takes to be a true disciple of Christ?" Are you willing to lay it all down, trust God, and turn your back on the world? The first twelve chosen disciples of Christ were all men who had walked away from their worldly possessions, comforts, families, livelihoods, and more, simply upon the request of a man filled with the Spirit. They knew there was something special about Him. They suspected He was the Messiah, but had no convincing proof—they only believed and had faith. While this may sound simplistic, it is a reality and one that we, as His disciples, should remember when we are attempting to determine if God is calling us to a task. We have at our disposal far more understanding and truth than those first twelve men. We now have history, the Epistles, the Holy Spirit, the crucifixion, resurrection, and more, all things they did not have knowledge of or had experienced at the time of their heeding the call. All too often, much more often than not, when we speak with people about their calling, we hear far more excuses as to why not than we do reasons to fulfill the call on their life. It is often that I will hear someone say, "I just want God to use me" or "I just need to hear from the Lord what He wants" or "God hasn't told me yet" and thousands more reasons or excuses not to give up what they have in order to be used. The reality is folks that God requires sacrifice in order to bless the works of man's hands. No, I am not saying God wants more blood; what I am saying is "God rewards those who diligently seek Him." Nothing of great value comes without a cost, and to be used by the God of all creation is something of great value, is it not? By the way, if your answer is no, then there is no need to read on; that is, unless you desire to learn more. We are currently in the midst of one of the greatest transitions of all time in this world. We are preparing for the return of Christ; what will He find us doing? Will it be His work, or will we still be praying to find out what His work is when He has already told us what we are to be doing? Jesus made it clear to all that we, as believers, have two very definitive roles: to love and to make disciples (to spread the gospel). John 15 and 16, Matthew 28, Mark 16: these are just a few of the Scriptures where Jesus tells us our role on earth and our responsibility. So go do it! But Gene, I have family, I have a job, my home, and you don't understand how difficult it is. What about my grandkids? First of all, the disciples left all of that and more, and secondly, so have my wife and I. So have many thousands of other families. Am I saying every Christian is called to move away? Absolutely not, but for those of you who say you're seeking God and wanting all He has to offer and that you desire with all your heart to serve Him, you already have your answer—go! The cost of being a disciple is to let go of everything in this world that entangles us. It may be we love money, comfort, sports, our jobs, or even family more than we love or desire to serve God. It's not about moving away and being a missionary (yet many are called to do so); it is, again, about turning away from the world. I can tell you of many instances where people called by God to great things have received gifts, received confirmations, used their gifts, and had people call and offer money or travel, all things they were praying for, and say, "I am waiting to hear from God what to do." Or better yet, "Well, God told me to do this" and then days or weeks later say, "God told me to wait." Then comes the "I'm not sure what He wants," and then comes "I'm not ready," and years go by, and the circle continues on. Can I say this? God does not change His mind. God is not confused. God is definitive; the devil is "the author of confusion." Can we stop blaming God for our lack of conviction and faith to step out? God is not the one hesitating or confusing things, and all we are doing is tainting the reputation of our Savior and ourselves. If you have what it takes, take up your bed and follow Jesus. If you don't, stop talking about it and stay where you are. I know this sounds harsh, but be honest with yourself; you and those who love you will be much happier. Being a true disciple of Christ truly does come at a cost. Jesus did not say the rules would change after He was resurrected and ascended to heaven; no, He said, ‘if you love the world more than Me, you cannot follow Me' (Matthew 16:24). Sometimes we just need to hear the truth in love in order to make a move we already know we should be making. Do you have what it takes—what it takes to be a true disciple, to reap a disciple's reward? Only you can make that decision. Only you can make the sacrifice. You won't be the first, and those of us who have would say it has been worth every cost! Pastor Gene Burroughs, Missio Dei Ministries, Navarre, FL outreachman@gmail.com