Counting the Cost

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Much of Christianity has a distorted view of discipleship. In our desire to see more people come to Christ, we may be guilty of offering a gospel that emphasizes the benefits of following Jesus while avoiding any mention of the cost involved. Since Christ didn’t sail through life without any challenges, why should we? For example, contrary to what many contemporary sermons suggest, following Jesus may not make your relationships better. It could become a source of contention because a true disciple’s love, devotion, and loyalty to Christ supersedes every other relationship. As Christians, we’ll frequently be tempted to compromise in order to avoid misunderstanding, criticism, rejection, or persecution. But as Christ’s followers, we are called to live a crucified life – and compromise undercuts the wholehearted nature of crucifixion. We cannot pursue the acceptance of the world and at the same time follow the Lord. Until we stand with both feet on the side of obedience, we forfeit assurance of God’s peace and blessings. Although discipleship is costly, the reward is great.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, June 3, 2019.

He is calling

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None of us want to waste time or energy on trivial things and thereby miss the exciting fulfillment of God’s will. He has called us, not to a life of comfortable tradition, but to an adventure of obedience. Answer His call – you’ll help fill His kingdom with people from every tribe and nation.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 22, 2018.

God’s design

Also see Colossians 3:20. The child in the home is to be willingly under the authority of parents with obedient submission to them as the agents of the Lord placed over them, obeying parents as if obeying the Lord Himself. The reasoning here is simply that such is the way God has designed and required it (or, right).

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Ephesians 6:1.

His instruments.

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At every stage of life, God places us under leaders, whether parents, teachers, coaches, employers, or governing officials (Romans 13:1-2). Of course, like all of humanity, these people were born into sin, so they’ll make mistakes and sometimes treat us unfairly – but they’re still His instruments. Whether or not we approve of how we’re ruled, people in these roles teach us the value of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. We often balk at the idea of answering to someone else. But it helps to realize that the ultimate goal is to obey the Lord – and that God’s commands are for our good (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 4, 2022.

Rebelliousness

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Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to obey Him. But submission doesn’t come naturally to us because we’re all born with a rebellious spirit. We must be taught to obey the Lord, and we begin to understand how to yield through interactions with people in authority over us. The most common place for learning obedience is the home. Ephesians 6:1-2 explains that children are to honor and obey their mother and father. God planned that our earliest experiences of authority would involve submitting to parents who love and care for us. Through their admonitions and discipline, we learn what it takes to master our rebellious spirit.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 4, 2022.

Lip Service

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It is not sufficient to give lip service to Christ’s lordship. Genuine faith produces obedience.

Commentary from the MacArthur Study Bible, notes for Luke 6:46.

Not a suggestion

If we were to separate Adam and Eve’s sin from it’s context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a “do not eat” sign. Today, people think nothing of ignoring commands – even Biblical ones.

We tend to categorize sins as small and non-impactful, or large and severe. But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences.

The good news of Christ’s grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin’s consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, August 15, 2020.

Responding to Our Culture

Live in submissive communion with the Lord Jesus, loving and obeying Him – and you have nothing to fear.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for 1 Peter 3:15.