1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian PEACE | Page 10

am reminded of the fact that there is a cost on our behalf. Jesus told people, three times,
that if they want to follow Him they need to take up their cross in order to do so. This
cross is a picture of sacrifice and epitomises well the cost involved in following Jesus. The
verse, however (verse 3), tells us what our motivation will be, should we be willing to
count the cost and to take up our cross and follow Him. It talks of those who live “...for His
name’s sake…”
If you could have a conversation with some of the great heroes of our faith and ask them,
“Why were they willing to pay the price to follow Christ?” I think they would all reply ,
“We did it for His name’s sake.” Picture, if you will, Paul in prison, beaten, hungry and cold,
and if you were to ask him, “Paul, why did you do it?” He would reply, “I did it for His
name’s sake”. If you were to ask Stephen, the first martyr, “Why did you let them throw
stones at you?”His reply would be, “I allowed it for His name’s sake”. If you were to meet
up with the ten of the twelve disciples of Jesus and ask them, “Why did you let them
martyr you by burning you at the stake and crucifying you?” They would reply, “We did it
for His name’s sake!”
Folks, this path of peace may just lead you to some challenging situations, but if you want
the peace of God, you must not be deterred and choose the easy way out.
Prayer Thought: Won’t you pray today, recommitting yourself to living a life lived for His
name’s sake. Evaluate your priorities and the vision that you have for your life, based too
upon this statement, and I know full well, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will keep your heart and mind in the knowledge and love of Christ (Philippians 4 v 7).

See you in church.