If we obey God it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the sting comes in. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it costs those who do not love Him a good deal. If we obey God it will mean that other people’s plans are upset, and they will ridicule us with it — “You call this Christianity?”
We can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid.
–Oswald Chambers
To obey Christ will cost you your life. Take up your cross, deny yourself, die to yourself, and follow Jesus. But when you willingly choose to do so, it becomes a pleasure and a delight to obey and serve this great One who offers abundant life in the midst of self-death. But… those around you who haven’t made that same decision will also be affected by your decision and it will cost them something as well. As Chambers tells us, though it pains them, it is beneficial (even if they can’t see it) because it is through that pain that God may open some of their eyes to their need for Him. Live for Him today (and this weekend) in such a way that it makes a difference not only in your life, but also in the lives of others.