The Cost of Following Jesus
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Amen, I say to you, that the wealthy shall enter with difficulty into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the wealthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven." And upon hearing this, the disciples wondered greatly, saying: "Then who will be able to be saved?" But Jesus, gazing at them, said to them: "With men, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible." Then Peter responded by saying to him: "Behold, we have left behind all things, and we have followed you. So then, what will be for us?" And Jesus said to them: "Amen I say to you, that at the resurrection, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, those of you who have followed me shall also sit on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And anyone who has left behind home, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for the sake of my name, shall receive one hundred times more, and shall possess eternal life. But many of those who are first shall be last, and the last shall be first."”
Matthew 19:23-30 CPDV
https://www.bible.com/42/mat.19.23-30.cpdv
The true followers exact a price. The martyrs sacrificed their lives because of their beliefs. The saints went through immense trials and sufferings. We are called to give up everything to follow the righteous pathway. Is it worth it?
What will it profit me if I gain the whole world and lose my soul? Why should I cling to this world that is passing away before my eyes? Everything in this life is temporary and even my mortal life sees an end.
There must be something more to my life than eating and drinking and being merry. Surely the pursuit of this happiness is not as elusive as it may seem but only if I turn my eyes upon Jesus. If my focus is on eternal and eternity, that illusion of fleeting happiness is rewarded with inner peace and joy.
Where oh Lord will I turn when you are in the heavens as in the ends of this earth? There is none that can slake my thirst or appease my hunger. I am consumed by my own appetites and so let that desire be about you. Lord, I am restless and my soul is parched without you. Abide in me oh Lord the giver of all things living. Jesus I trust in you.