What challenge are you facing today? Dictionary.com’s number one definition of the word is a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
Do you have what it takes to accept the challenge?
No really, do you have what it takes? Wait, we might first have to go further and ask what is the what? So, what is the what that it will take to accept the challenge, any challenge you are facing:
Jesus says in Luke 14:28-30: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and was not able to finish.’ Jesus begins this section by revealing that the cost is indeed our very lives (to be a disciple). So why would He first reveal what the cost is and then give this example of counting the cost?
He has shown us that the “what” is our very life, and with this we’re forced to look at how much our life is actually worth, aren’t we? Let’s take an inventory and see what we come up with … what IS our life worth?
If you’re anything like Paul, you’ll surely proclaim that your life is worth nothing as he states in verse 24 of Acts 20: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Or maybe you’re more like Solomon, the wisest and richest man who ever lived, and says at the very end the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, verse 13: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Both of these men neither counted their status, worldly wealth, or their influence in the inventory of their lives. It didn’t even matter how people esteemed them.
So, what about us? The money we have in our bank accounts. The number friends we have. How much knowledge we possess. All counted by these men as nothing. What really mattered? Completing the task / Keeping His commandments. What a challenge for sure!
Do we have what it takes? If we have breath in our body then yes, we do. Are we ready to accept the challenge? Now this is where it all begins…
Join me on this week’s hangout as we discuss this post and more ways to live victoriously!
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