When Our Obedience Costs Others

Luke 23:26

As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

Because Jesus was obedient to His Father's calling, it cost others around Him.  In this case, it was Simon of Cyrene who bore a portion of the costs of Jesus' obedience.

Whenever we choose to be obedient to God's calling on our lives, it is likely to cost other people.  Suppose the Lord asks us to give up something we love doing because He wants more time with us.  It is likely that we shared our beloved activity with others who will suffer from our withdrawal from the activity.  Or it may be that our faithful service at church creates an internal challenge to those who are shunning a calling of their own.  We must beware of the inclination to move away from our calling in order to avoid costing others.  We simply must obey and leave the consequences with Our Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for creating us to fulfill unique plans and purposes in Your kingdom.  We pray that you keep us steadfast in our obedience to Your calling on our lives.  We ask, Lord, that You provide the strength we need to overcome the pressure that may come from others as they bear the costs of our obedience.  Show us, Father, how to forgive those that persecute us for serving You.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ who gave His life so that we may have eternal life.