We must be totally committed, no matter what comes as a result.
The reward of the firstfruits of the Kingdom is so great, because it is such a narrow and difficult way for those who follow God's call, and are placed in God's church by God. Following Christ is a lifetime commitment.
Matthew 24:13 tells us that those who endure to the end will be saved. A lack of total commitment has terrible consequences. As Luke 9:62 says, no one who looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. If people fall away after receiving God's Spirit, they will not repent.
The word "impossible" is used there. That is a very powerful, strong word. What a terrifying thought to consider. If they know Christ but return to the world, their end is worse than the beginning, as the apostle Peter informs us in II Peter 2:20.
To be totally committed, we must count the cost. First and foremost, we have to seek the Kingdom of God, as Christ tells us, in Matthew 6:33.
Part of counting that cost is to love family and self less than God the Father and Jesus Christ. The word "hate" means, to love less. But, that is not enough; we must also forsake all our possessions, interests, and normal human desires. We have to be less interested in these things than we are in God the Father and Jesus Christ and their giving way of life.
The costs are extremely high to follow Christ. It may cost friends and family, jobs, possessions and someday even our own lives. The price may be ridicule, rejection or persecution. We must be willing to suffer persecution with enduring patience. In following Jesus Christ's example, we are to be living sacrifices. In many ways the toughest part of living God's way of life is actually going against the world, Satan and our own human nature and sin.
It is easy to look at the negative side and say, "What if I cannot do it?" The fact is we cannot do it ourselves! That is why it takes faith to be baptized. We cannot, of and by ourselves, go God's way. But with His Spirit helping, guiding and leading us, and with Jesus Christ actually living His life over in us, God promises that we can make it.
It takes faith to be confident that God will complete what He has started in us.
Satan will try to discourage and cause doubts to weaken anyone being drawn by God. There is no doubt about that.
What must be the source of our salvation? We have to totally, faithfully rely on God. God does not expect us to make it into His Kingdom, or even spiritually survive this present life, based on our own works. Our own works will not save us.
The key to being willing to pay the price is to understand what God is offering to you through baptism. It is eternal life reigning and ruling in the Family and government of God.
