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No Turning Back

Many of you may know the children's song "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus."  If not, it has a couple lines that read "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back."  And if you'd like to listen to the song the link is below (I think):
https://youtu.be/S8jvfdDtoqY

In 1 Kings 19:19-21 we read the story of Elisha being called to follow Elijah.  When Elisha received the call he fully committed himself to following.  After having a farewell banquet, or modern day going away party, he slaughtered his oxen, burned his yokes, and plowing equipment.  Elisha made it nearly impossible for himself to turn back as he gave up his previous life and occupation of farming by destroying all those things to follow the call.  This was his public commitment that he was going to follow the prophet Elijah.

I think sometimes we take the commitment to follow Jesus lightly and think that just saying it will sound good to others and make us feel better about ourselves.  But following Christ comes with a cost.  To be truly devoted to God, we may face difficult decisions about relationships, finances, and other living arrangements.  But no matter what we give up to follow Christ, the promise of salvation vastly outweighs the potential cost. 

Matthew 16:25 reads "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  If you're unsure of where you're being called in life, seek God first.  He will offer you guidance to know what to do, provide you with the opportunities to follow, and the strength to handle it. 

If you're not a Christian, I encourage you today to consider following Jesus.  There will be costs along the way but I promise you it will be worth it.  If you are a Christian, take a look at your life and make sure you really have decided to follow Jesus and that there is nothing in your life that could cause you to turn back.

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