Daily Devotional for October 18, 2022

A few years ago, my doctor convinced me to go on a whole-food, plant-based diet.  It’s because I am delicate.  And while I look like a normal person, it doesn’t take too long to figure out something’s a little off.  My congregation has had a good time with this.
 
Two weeks ago, a friend in the church gave me a beautiful dishtowel that said, “Vegetarians live up to 9 years longer than meat eaters. 9 HORRIBLE, WORTHLESS, BACONLESS YEARS.”
 
It’s true the odds are I will live longer but I will also pay a price.  I will have to lead a baconless life.
 
The bottom line is anything worth doing comes with a price.
 
To save us, God paid a price.  And once we receive and accept God’s life-giving grace, through Jesus Christ, we too pay a price.
 
Let me be very clear, this is not about earning our way into heaven.  That’s not possible.  God’s grace is free.  But following God comes with a cost because our old selves’ die, and as Paul would say, “We become a new creation in Christ.”
 
This is where obedience comes in as we follow Jesus’ lead and pick up our own cross.
 
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)
 
Choose today to pick up your cross and follow Jesus.  You will pay a price but anything worth doing comes with a price.  It’s worth it.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, because you have saved me, whatever you ask me to do, I will do.  Thank you for loving me.  I pray my life pleases you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
I follow Jesus because it is the best way to live.  Also, when I get to heaven, I am certain there will be bacon.  I am looking forward to it.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins