When following God costs you everything.
NB: I’m collecting questions about your Christian faith journey as it relates to your work, business, mental health, personal affairs, and relationships. If you have a question in this area, fill this inquiry form.
These questions will be answered in my last article for the year. (Your identity will be kept anonymous.)
In April 2022, a classmate of mine messaged me; he said he had been seeing my WhatsApp post and “honestly needed to talk to me.” He shared his story about how he had derailed and engaged in a lot of sinful activities and needed to get it right with God.
Together, we embarked on a journey of faith, delving into Bible study. One day, he asked a pivotal question,
“Whenever I look at the things I acquired through sin, I'm reminded of my past. Do you think I should sell them?”
Contemplating, I pondered if God required me to discard all I had gained through sin. The answer, I realized, lay in finding peace. I advised him to let go of anything hindering his relationship with God. It’s a decision not easily made, but forsaking everything for Christ is worth it.
Following God, I’ve discovered, is a daily cross, demanding the sacrifice of habits, lifestyles, desires, and associations. In a world dictated by norms, culture, and trends, living for Christ often labels us as “weird” or “odd.”
I’m very much accustomed to these titles, while I might not have had God tell me to give out clothes and properties acquired through a sinful lifestyle. I have traded a lot for simply the sake of walking with God.
For me, following God is a daily cross that requires the sacrifice of certain habits, lifestyles, wants, and associations. We confess the life of Christ as a position, but the reality is not so sonorous, because living the life of Christ costs you everything the earth gives.
Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee instant gratification; in fact, it often leads to greater persecution. That you obey Jesus doesn’t mean everything will always be perfect and pleasant.
Whenever God takes an interest in you, so does the devil.
Sadly, we may appear pitiful and foolish to those expecting tangible rewards for our obedience of faith.
In these moments, my greatest encouragement has always been found in God’s word. It serves as a guiding light, reminding me that the rewards of following God may not be immediate, but they are enduring and ultimately lead to a life anchored in faith.
“ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” James 1:2–4 (NKJV)
I enjoyed listening to Ezinne’s podcast on this same subject. I highly recommend it.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Titus 2: 11–12
If you enjoyed reading this, please clap as many times as possible, as it makes the post more visible to those who may like it or learn from it. You can also leave a comment and share it with your friends. I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to follow me on any of my socials.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a good tip for this writer below.
