To those in the west
Jesus said,
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34.
I firmly believe that we who believe in Christ Jesus living in the western democracies don’t fully comprehend this statement. With all of our freedoms we fail to realize that the cost of following Christ can and is extreme for those in countries where the freedom to worship God is prohibited. Where worshipping God can get you and your family sent to jail or labour camps.
Even in some democracies in the world where Christianity is a minority faith. Believing in Christ can lead to persecution. Persecution that can force a believer to leave his or her home village or town, get dismissed from their job, and in some cases lead to their families breaking ties with them.
As a result we living in the west fail to count the cost of following Christ.
As a result we quite often take our faith in Christ too lightly to the point at times we place God of second or third priority in our life.
Quiet often choosing to do other things ahead of serving and worshipping God.
Some believers even going as far as hiding their faith from their co-workers or employers.
To those in the west I would remind them of the words of Jesus who said,
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32,33.
So to those reading this who are living in the democratic and free democracies of the west do you admit to those around you, you are a believer in Christ Jesus?
Have you counted the cost of following Christ?
Do you put God ahead of all things in your life?
Please think about it.
