The devil would like nothing more than for one to believe that it does not
cost to be a Christian. Some well-meaning folks will even declare that after
one becomes a child of God, his troubles are over. Those who expect their problems
and sorrows to disappear after obeying the Gospel are then discouraged when
the devil attacks with all his fury. One must remember that the word of God
warns: “be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
When Satan loses a soul because of one’s obedience to the Gospel, he will
unleash his fury in seeking to tempt the new convert to apostatize from the
faith.
If people are taught and realize that Christianity is costly, it will be more
difficult for Satan to sow seeds of discouragement. Let us consider some of
the costs of becoming a Christian.
First, one must be willing to give up the pleasures of sin. Not all are willing
to turn from certain sins. The devil will do all in his power to convince one
to continue the wickedness that brings temporary pleasure. This is why many
folks continue to live in and enjoy an adulterous relationship. They do not
desire to forsake that which is pleasurable! The Bible, however, encourages
all to imitate Moses. God’s Word says, “By faith Moses, when he
was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the
pleasures of sin for a season” (Heb. 10:24-25).
People need to see sin for the bad investment it is. God makes it clear that
those who live in or practice sin will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1
Cor. 6:9-10). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23).
Second, one must be willing to surrender to the will of God. Even the majority
of the “religious world” has no desire to turn from their man-made
doctrines and surrender to God’s plan of salvation. Jesus said, “If
ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Countless thousands
say they love Christ, but their actions speak louder than their words! So many
claim to believe in and accept Christ but reject the command to be baptized
for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).
The truth is that many people today are related to the Pharisees of Jesus’
day. John stated, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed
on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [him], lest they should
be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the
praise of God” (John 12:42-43). One must be a “doer” of the
word and not a “hearer only” (James 1:22).
Third, one must be willing to be separate from the world. The apostle Paul said,
“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world”
(Gal. 6:14; cf. Gal. 2:20). Paul taught the brethren at Corinth: “Be ye
not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what
concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an
infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
[them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Cor.
6:14-17).
If a man is in love with the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1
John 2:15-17).
Fourth, one must pay the cost of self-denial. Many determine this is too high
a price to pay as they will not say “No” to themselves. The Lord
taught, “...If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
It is true that it costs to be a faithful Christian. But the costs are greater
when one rejects Christianity. Can you afford to live your life in such a way
that it costs you your soul, heaven, and eternal fellowship with God and those
of like precious faith?
The cost is great to be a Christian, but the cost is far greater to be a servant
of Satan.
By Marvin Weir
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