If / The Jesus Way

I'm challenged by the simple word, 'if'. It prefaces the kingdom statement by Jesus that defines the 'Jesus way.' If anyone would come after me...the choice is mine, ours. God has set before us life and death, and He has worked overtime to get us to choose life. If you want to be part of the Kingdom of God...sometimes we lower the bar on salvation to such a level that the work of salvation becomes an end in itself. From what we read in Scripture, salvation is entering a covenant relationship with the true and living God. A covenant that overflows with blessing, but also carries responsibility. Sometimes I sense the American version of Christianity embraces the blessing part, but rejects the responsibility. Salvation is free through Christ, but it is also an introduction to a life that is costly. Following Jesus will cost your life, on a daily basis. If you want...too often we want to ride the fence...too often we want to love the world and Jesus too...too often we want to settle down into a I've been saved mentality and that's all I need. Covenant demands more. Covenant is more that merely being saved. The passage in Matthew 16:24-27 to which we have been referring climaxes with the invitation to lose our life for His sake. I don't think that is an option-it is the Jesus way. Let's walk in His steps.