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Mar 29, 2023 18:30pm

It’s Worth It

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When I worked at college fairs, one of the main questions I would ask students was “What do you plan to do with your life?” The reply at my table, a majority of the time, was “I want to be a doctor”.

We would go through the classes they needed in high school. I would tell them that they would need to shadow a physician. Almost all would say, “I’ve done all those things.”

Freshman year rolled around and I would see many of those same bright faces in the seats of the auditorium as the science professors introduced themselves to the pre-meds. I was proud of them for staying the course, choosing this as their path, but knew that not all would continue.

By sophomore year, that number was about half of what it was. By junior year, it had dwindled considerably to even less. And when it came time to apply for medical school, there were maybe 15 left.

They had been so determined. They knew they wanted to be a doctor. So why, then, did they not follow through?

For many, the reality of what it costs was something they were not willing to pay. But I’m not just talking finances. When we would have one on one advising sessions, the student would know a few basics about what it took to make it to this profession, but many had no idea exactly what it entailed.

Four years of college, pre-med classes that are rigorous science, math and social science classes, time spent volunteering in a medical capacity, leadership, relationships with professors that would earn them a good recommendation letter, hours and hours spent preparing for the MCAT, missing out on social functions and sometimes family events. And that was just in college. Once they were in medical school, time spent away from friends and family would increase due to the amount of studying they would do. And then, of course, as a physician, there would be the possibility that they would have to move to wherever they matched for residency. And that might mean half-way across the nation. And then there would be many years in residency as they trained. Furthermore, there was the cost to consider of being on call, the hours they would have to work, and the strain on family.

As these things became a reality, students began to search out other options for another career. I would see the look on their faces when that moment happened and something I mentioned would hit them. Straight to the heart. They were willing to do all these things, but that one thing I mentioned, that was too much in their eyes.

“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:17-22)

You know what I love about this passage? Jesus knew this young man. He knew his heart, his motives, and his intent. In verse 21, it says Jesus beheld him and loved him. And the man hadn’t even decided if He would follow Jesus!

The young man was sure of himself. He had done all the right things, checked off all the right boxes and upheld the law of the commandments. He was doing good so far, or so he thought. But when Jesus talked about giving up everything he had and following Him, the young man stopped. This was a true test to see how committed he was. What was worth more, his possessions and riches, or a life spent with Christ?

Jesus was offering Him eternal life with Him!

Sadly, he chose to trust in his wealth. He walked away, and it said he grieved, not because of losing this opportunity with Jesus, but because he couldn’t imagine losing all of his possessions.

Jesus used this moment to continue to teach His disciples.

“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”

His disciples were shocked! How could this be? Weren’t riches a blessing? Wasn’t that a reward on this earth for your good deeds? That’s what they had always been taught. But Jesus, acknowledging their immaturity in the faith, explains it.

“Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

The disciples still couldn’t understand. What was Jesus talking about? Jesus was talking about counting the cost of the choice to follow Jesus completely.

“With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” (Mark 10:27-31)

Read those verses again.

What is the cost of following Christ? You will sacrifice things that you love and hold dear. You will receive rewards on this earth for doing so, but not in the way you expect. And without question, there is one thing that is certain. What does Jesus say that is?

With persecutions.

This isn’t a maybe. This isn’t a “hey this could happen if we aren’t careful”. If you choose to follow Christ, submitting yourself under His authority and allow Him to lead your life, you will face persecutions.

Then why do it? Every student that I’ve talked to that stayed the course and continued to medical school would always say, because, it’s worth it.

Friends, if you are in a place of decision to follow Christ, I want to reassure you, it’s worth it.

He is worthy!

Christ does not paint a picture of an easy life. He spells it out plainly. You know all the facts going in. If you choose to follow Jesus, it will require sacrifice, loss, and persecution. But oh, the joy that comes from serving Him! When we accept His offer of salvation and put our trust in Him, we receive the Holy Spirit. As it fills us, it directs our decisions, our desires and our destination. He brings with Him fruit for our lives as we grow closer to God! Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, and Self-Control! And we have the assurance that no matter what comes in this life, that Jesus has already overcome it and we will live eternally with Him in Heaven.

What’s keeping you from following Christ? For this young man, it was a love of money and pride in himself. Is it enough to keep you from Jesus? We must choose. Even no choice is still a choice.

Jesus loved this man before he ever spoke his decision. His love knows no boundaries. But does yours?

Trust in Him today! He is worthy!