“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” .Philippians 3:8
How many can look at everything lost in their life and count it as gain, simply for knowing Jesus?
I have friends who have lost a wife and even nearly their whole family simply because they were giving themselves to a life of Christ and their wife or family wanted nothing to do with that new life and lifestyle. I know a man whose children are opposed to his beliefs on marriage and life, simply because they are based on God’s word. A soul who has given up all his life friends because they are living a lifestyle antithecal to a life in Christ…
Are you willing to lose everything to be righteous in the eyes of Jesus? If the love of your life came up to you and told you to choose, Jesus or her; how would you respond? What if your child gave you the same choice? Let him/her live their lifestyle, keeping your lips sealed or chose the path Jesus has shown in His Word.
And if you chose either Jesus or ‘them’ would you feel regret later? These are just some examples I can think of in which the pursuit of a life with Jesus is not the easy road. It is likely Jesus will never ask you to give up all your ‘riches’ to follow Him, but, if He did, are your willing?
“In order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own based on the law, but that which is through faith in Christ” Philippians 3:9
Choosing Jesus above all else will give great rewards.
“the ardour of your heart is pleasing to Me. And just as you desire ardently to become united with Me in Holy Communion, so too do I desire to give Myself wholly to you; and as a reward for your zeal, rest on My Heart”.” Divine Mercy in my soul # 826
I know first hand and live many of the comments you are making. I try to find balance in my life, but, you are right, a life devoted to Christ is not easy in today’s world and it appears to only be getting harder and more unique. That being said, Jesus is so totally worth all of it, and, God will provide if one follows His will. It is a matter of faith and trust in the Lord.
I don’t thing harder, I feel it is becoming more clear. A lot less gray area