"The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death—we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ.
When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow him, or it may be a death like Luther’s, who had to leave the monastery and go out into the world. But it is the same death every time—death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old man at his call.
"(
The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
One can only wonder at where the prosperity preachers get their gospel for what profits it a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?
ReplyDeleteHmm...it would seem they deceptively teach that you can have them both :-(
ReplyDeleteClarifying* God does of course sometimes bless his people materially but as you quoted, Ganeida, what is the profit in that if the soul is lost.
ReplyDeleteRuby, I loved reading this and it is a great reminder what our calling is all about... first and foremost, death of the old man. There is not alot taught these days (at least in many 'churches) about embracing the cross and all that it entails.
ReplyDeleteThis speaks my language and like I said, I needed to be reminded again. So, thank you for posting it.
Yes, God in His loving Father's heart loves to bless us, but His blessings come in many different forms. Often the biggest blessings are the smallest things, like a sunrise, dew on a rose, a little wallaby hopping by. So many people are owned by their material possessions instead of owning them. They chase after the 'prosperous' life and all things 'the latest and greatest'. I believe He is not fooled about what truly owns our heart. Even a man in poverty can have a lustful heart after things in this world, even though he doesn't have them.
Great post Ruby!
Ruby this was good to read when it came in and I've returned to it since. We need to be reminded that the greatest display of God's mercy towards us was on the cross, and not be surprised when mercy takes that shape in our lives. I also just wanted to leave a fierce hug and let you know that you are very specially in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteThank you Heidi xo
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts and prayers encourage me greatly.
The regulars at the Tea Parlor often remember you too, as do I. keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.