Understanding the Cost of Discipleship

I had mentioned last week that faith would be this weeks topic, but some additional examples came to mind to help establish understanding of the cost of discipleship. Luke 14:33 clearly states that "whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple". "All that you have" means whatever things are important to you that Jesus knows will be a hindrance to becoming complete in Him. The great thing is that Jesus will show you what those things are as He reveals what He wants to replace that with. Acts 5:1-11 gives the account of Ananias and Sapphira lying in the presence of the Holy Spirit and "breathing their last". This is certainly not the most recent incidence of someone lying in church, yet because the presence of God was so strong upon the apostles, even that which happens regularly brought judgement. He is a holy God and a consuming fire! Verse 12-14  states " and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all in one accord in Solomon's Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly, and believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women".  None of the remaining liars and likewise dared join the the apostles because the cost of discipleship had been made clear to them: they had to be WILLING to turn from their wicked ways and receive the salvation unto righteousness in Christ Jesus! Obviously they were not willing! Yet the account clearly states that others did count the cost and were added to the Lord. It is interesting to note that the failure/withdrawal rate from medical school is very low.  The accepted students know the cost will require serious devotion to study over an extended period of time. Their lives will be changed by the devotion necessary to matriculate successfully to the desired end- an MD degree. On the other hand, the lack of completion rate in community colleges is much higher. In many cases, the student has not counted the cost of completion yet wants the same trappings as the medical student- the opportunity for a successful career.   It is imperative for the individual making a decision to receive the Lord's salvation to understand what the cost is and that they have been provided the seed for completion in Him- a measure of faith! It is His promise that, if you understand the cost of discipleship and are willing to take appropriate action, He will provide the grace to become complete in Him!   I think folks would be well-served to understand this truth before they decide. Jesus said that it is better to be cold than lukewarm. Cold is dead to Christ and knows it. Lukewarm is a little bit hot and a little bit cold but THINKS it is OK. Jesus says He would rather have you cold, and know it, even more so HOT and know it.