So who of you was able to hold up the weight for the
longest? Who is the strongest?

Can you imagine what it would be like having to carry a cross around with you
all day?

When it came to choosing a partner for the game what were your decisions based
on? Was it because the person was a friend? Was it because they were bigger and
stronger than you?

Did you argue with your partner whilst trying to win?

One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and
told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father,
mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be
my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t
be my disciple. “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house,
doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete
it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going
to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started
something he couldn’t finish.’

“Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without
first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the
twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send
an emissary and work out a truce?

“Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether
plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.

“Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it’s useless, good for
nothing.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

Luke 14:25-34 (The Message)

This parable talks about the cost of following Jesus. It is very hard hitting. We are called to
give Jesus first place in every part of our lives, in our relationships with
families, in our work, our time, and money.
This is what I suppose you might call total commitment.

If we try to do it our own strength we will get tired; a bit like trying to
hold up the weights at the start of the evening.

It can be an expensive time of year. Can you let go of yourself? Dare you trust yourself to Jesus?

Why not take some time to take stock before you start on the project that is
Christmas shopping or the Christmas list. Do you really need it? Why not turn to God not your credit card.

Who do you trust?

Might you join in with the plans that God has for you and give up your own.

The Beatles were right “Money can’t buy you love.” It is a gift, and somehow we seem to get it
confused,….

Following Jesus can be expensive. But the question is: which economy are you
living in?