The Cost of Following Christ, Part 1
As a Christian, do you struggle with feeling left out every time you look at the unbelievers in your life? Or when you look at Christian friends who don’t seem to take their faith as seriously as you do?
“They look like they’re having so much fun. I want to join them.”
They wear all the latest fashions without regard to modesty and listen to the coolest music without cringing at the lyrics. They do whatever they please with their boyfriends and accept every party invitation without giving much thought to what they might encounter there. And because they don’t have to go to church, they can sleep in on Sunday. But what really boggles your mind is that they seem to thrive.
And sometimes, you’re secretly jealous.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Walking a Less Populated Road
Worshipping God has become less popular amidst all the shiny new ideas in our society in part, I believe, because you have to give something up.
Sometimes the other side looks soooo tempting.
Lots of things, in fact.
Life as a Christian is a lesson in denying yourself some very strong cravings. I think most Christians are aware that sacrifices must be made to follow Jesus, but sometimes the other side looks soooo tempting.
You want to join them, if for no other reason than to fit in.
You’re Not Alone in Feeling Left Out
I hear you, and I also struggle sometimes with a desire to join the masses. I wish I could read whatever novels strike my fancy or watch whatever movies look interesting. Sometimes I get tired of worrying about the ungodly content I might encounter. And I bet if I gave in and satisfied my fleshly desires, it would feel really good.
At first.
I won’t try to convince you that sin always feels bad. In fact, sometimes sin feels really good. Sometimes, it even feels right and we start to wonder, “What’s so bad about this?”
What’s so bad about watching an R-rated movie if you’re 17? What’s so bad about a teenage couple having sex if they both love each other? Why does it matter what I do in private if I’m not hurting anybody?
Popular culture would have you believe if it feels right for you, then go for it.
A Lesson From Long Ago
The Israelites were jealous, too. Everyone around them had fewer rules to follow and seemed to go about their lives merry and thriving.
“They look like they’re having so much fun. Let’s join them.”
Mission accomplished: They were just like everyone else.
They wanted to be like everyone else, so guess what they did? They jumped right in. Partying, drinking, idolatry, immorality—they did it all. Then they were exiled to Babylon, and cut off from God.
Mission accomplished: They were just like everyone else. (See 2 Kings 24:1-21.)
Is that really where you want to end up?
The Cost of Following Christ: Holiness
Many Christian teens look at a word like “holiness” as if it were a ball and chain they’re burdened to carry—all work, no fun. Sure, holiness requires discipline and self-control…but is it really a high price to pay for the cost of following Christ? In my post What Is Holiness? How Genuine Faith Goes Beyond Obedience, I talk about what holiness is and isn’t.
Many Christian teens look at a word like “holiness” as if it were a ball and chain.
It’s not a checklist of do’s and don’ts. It’s not about “finding yourself.” But it is about being more like God and embracing righteousness. God’s commands are there to make sure nothing comes between you and him. Don’t look at giving up things like wild parties and racy movies as giving up “fun” but as giving up something cheap for something better.
Related – Happiness & Holiness: Aim High and Go For Both
Chasing the Source of Ultimate Pleasure: Jesus
Most of what we think we want only leads down a spiral staircase to destruction.
No pleasure on this earth can ever satisfy your deepest desires.
One sip turns into one glass, then one night of drunkenness. One glance turns into one stare, which evolves into a one-night stand. Watching one movie leads to another with racier elements, until a hardcore porn addict is born.
The sinful soul is never satisfied. More is needed to achieve the same rush of ecstasy. The Christian who was feeling left out of the world’s pleasures finds that no pleasure on this earth that can ever satisfy your deepest desires.
Satisfy Your Deepest Longings
Only one thing can provide full satisfaction, and by choosing to walk with Christ, you’ve already found it. That doesn’t mean your life on earth will be roses and lace—or that all those other things won’t still be tempting. As a Christian, you’ll still feel left out sometimes. You might be lucky enough to have close friends who share your same ideals, but you might not.
So the next time you find yourself sitting on the sidelines of something you know God would not want you to do, remind yourself of Luke 6:21:
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”
Pay the Price, Reap the Rewards
And now that you understand the small price to pay for holiness, are you ready to pay the ultimate cost of following Christ? Time to jump to part 2: Are You Ready to Pay the Highest Price?
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
For more on finding true fulfillment in Christ, see my post Desiring God As the Ultimate Source of Pleasure.