it ain't easy...

it ain't easy.
it ain't pretty.
it ain't free.

(Luke 9:57-62)

Jesus addressed three different men, and, essentially, gave them these three responses. To one, He said that following Him would not be easy. He had no place to lay His head. To another, it may not be pretty. The dead would have to bury their own. And to another, it isn't free. Obedience is the price we're required to pay.

How important is it that we do our best *not* to offend people?

"The words of the Lord hurt and offend until there is nothing left to be hurt or offended." -My Utmost for His Highest, Oswalk Chambers (edited by James Reimann)

This is such an important lesson for me. Only when I've completely died to myself am I able to completely live. When I am humble, I am able to love unconditionally. On the other hand, when I am self-righteous is when I am most at risk of hurting the people around me.

Following Jesus isn't easy. I'm not doing it because it's fashionable. I'm doing it because He saw something in me worth redeeming. He loves me, and He believes in who He's called me to be. Only by His grace am I a follower of Christ.