The Cost of Obedience: Counting the Price in Our Rescue Mission
In the ever-evolving journey of leadership, understanding the true cost of obedience is paramount. Today, I want to delve into what it truly means to be committed to a mission, a cause, or a calling—particularly when that mission involves rescuing others from the metaphorical flames of judgment, as inspired by Jude 23, my life verse.
The Smells Like Smoke Journey
Welcome to the Smells Like Smoke podcast blog. My name is Trevor DeVage, your host and guide on this journey of transformation and redemption. We've rebranded from "The Make" to "Smells Like Smoke"—a nod to a deeper, more resonant understanding of our purpose. This voyage that began with sermons and scriptures has now led to my first book titled "Smells Like Smoke," which encapsulates years of reflection.
The Hard Truth: Following Jesus Will Cost You Something
It's a truth often glossed over: following Jesus will cost you something. Not everything, not all at once, but always something significant. This discussion isn't limited to those of us in paid ministry; it's for anyone stepping into the ministry of life and faith, which involves personal sacrifice. Whether it's time, energy, or comfort, there is a price associated with authentic commitment to service and helping others.
Understanding this upfront prevents the resentment that can arise when we feel blindsided by sacrifice. The expectation of a smooth journey without cost only leads to confusion and bitterness. Whether it's asking ourselves challenging questions, dealing with resistance, or navigating complex emotions, the path of obedience is lined with opportunities for growth.
Obedience Without Illusions: Naming the Cost
Our conversations should start from a place of truth. Jesus, during his time on earth, never deceived us about the cost of following him. He spoke of crosses, losses, and sacrifices—intentional, challenging commitments that carry the potential for significant personal growth. The difficulty arises when our expectations conflict with these realities, leading us to feel unfairly burdened.
We need to recognize that wisdom involves counting the cost before paying it. Before embarking on any significant endeavor, it is crucial to assess what it will require. This foresight allows us to embrace sacrifice with clarity rather than confusion.
Practical Applications: Defining Boundaries in Your Commitment
Let’s get practical. To serve effectively and sustainably, let's address three crucial questions:
1. What am I willing to give for obedience? Understanding this allows us to consciously choose our sacrifices.
2. What am I not willing to sacrifice? Acknowledging this helps us set healthy boundaries and prevents imbalance in our lives.
3. What needs boundaries so obedience stays healthy? Boundaries are crucial to maintaining a spirit of willingness rather than reluctance.
Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Sacrifice and Rest
Ministry and leadership can be intense, leading to potential burnout if not managed wisely. Sacrifice without boundaries leads to burnout, while boundaries without sacrifice lead to apathy. Finding a balance is key to sustained joy and effectiveness.
To those contemplating stepping into leadership roles, do not let fear dictate your decisions, nor should you romanticize the cost. Seek clarity, count the cost, and proceed with peace, knowing that genuine commitment produces endurance and growth.
The Reward Beyond the Sacrifice
God's call to obedience is not a call to blind sacrifice but to meaningful service that promises something greater in return. Sacrifice shapes you, obedience forms you, and the cost refines you—building in you something longer-lasting than comfort ever could.
As we continue this conversation next time, we'll discuss staying soft in a hard world. It's about ensuring our hearts remain tender and receptive, for only then can we truly be instruments of rescue and change.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Should this resonate with you, share it with your network, leave your comments or questions, and remember: stay honest, stay obedient, and stay close to the fire. We’re all in this together, working towards a better, more connected world.