Thoughts about following Christ

Today we visited a small local church. Every Sunday, up until now, we have visited a different church. Some have been very big, with a large worship band and contemporary music, while others have been small with one person leading worship on a guitar.

This morning the sermon focused on the importance of sharing Jesus with others. Meaning, the good news of what he has done for mankind on the cross. Is it really important? Because if it's not, then I have no reason to share it.

In the book of Luke, Jesus says out loud to his audience: "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Ch.14, vs.33). It's clear here that deciding to follow Christ is a decision that carries a lot of weight. And after hearing these words, the questions arise: What exactly am I giving up? and, Do I gain something better in return?

Continuing in this line of thought, sometimes the words "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it," can be jarring. (Matthew 16:25). Jesus said this shortly before informing his disciples that he would be crucified. And so now, based on this statement, I pose the question: What does it really mean to have life? If the thing that's protected is not what's it's all about (read the statement again: protecting it obviously results in losing it), then what, specifically, is the "real thing" that can be found when the first thing is voluntarily given up? According to this passage, what one gains in return is much better.

I want to have real life, not something that looks kind of like it. And Jesus says that he is real life. So. I am left with the task of dealing with this claim in order to get my question answered. It's a big claim. The kind that needs to be faced, if indeed I am looking for an answer.

Above: My sleeping quarter, and the cafeteria! Below: A beautiful sunset.