The Cost

"It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity"
  -Frederick D. Huntington

Is it easier to follow God in a land overflowing with milk and honey, where even our poorest are in the top percentage of wealth on earth? Or should I wish to be in a place where I am daily reliant on God for everything, even my very existence? How do I get to that place of daily reliance when there is very little tangible things that I need from God?  Where are the miracles in my life that Jesus promised to His followers, that I would do "greater things" than He? Why doesn't my shadow heal a lame man as I walk by?

I know Love exists within me and therefore all things of Him dwell in me.  So then why do I not show them daily?

If I were truly asked to give everything I have up and follow Him, would I?  Would I really?  Would I give up all my savings, my retirement, my house, my clothes, my accessories?  What sacrifices have I truly made for Him?  Why have mine been so "easy" while people on the other side of the world are killed for what I believe in?

I love my stuff.  I love my country. I love vacations and clothes and buying things organic.  What if all that was taken away from me?  How much of "me" would be left?  Am I really that wrapped up in these things that I would lose a part of me if they went away?

How many people in America would continue to follow the Lord if he took everything they owned away from them?  Would I?