COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST

We read in Romans 1:20 that there is enough evidence to convince everyone that God is Creator, so much so that we are condemned if we do not believe. Then why do only a few people follow Christ for a lifetime? Why do some appear to follow for a time and then fall away? What prevents us from following Jesus wholeheartedly? Why do many of us prefer to build on the sand rather than the rock?
It can't be that we don't know about Him. With all the technology available today, the archaeological research confirming the people and places of the Bible, the immense volumes of writings of believers explaining their faith, and the exegetical study of the words of the Bible - it's as if we know so much, yet believe so little.

Many today respond to Jesus with a lack of commitment. They believe with their mind, but not their heart. They are skeptical about who He is. They are not willing to give up themselves to follow him. They are willing to follow some of His commands, but not willing to sacrifice their own needs or wants. Many prefer to  hold on to parents/children, money, siblings, jobs, or material items.

Whose goals and aspirations direct your daily living? God's or your own carnal, self-centered desires? If today is the day for God to judge how youv'e spent his money, lived your life, and spread his word, are you prepared for the verdict? Many people will stand before God's throne someday and say, "Lord, in You name we cast out devils, we healed the sick, we did many wonderful works for You." But they built their houses on sand. They're actions did not match up with their words, they said one thing in public and lived their lives in greed and materialism. They cried, "Lord, Lord!" throughout their lives - coming to Him for relief, for power, and for rewards. They were busy for Him, they gave money for someone else to do his works and filled themselves with a false sense of "having done their part" but they never stopped long enough in His presence to really get to know Him.
They never understood that he wanted them, not their money, advise, or stuff. Just them filled with a love that flows from a totally abandoned heart.