UNBELIEF: A LUXURY NO MAN OR WOMAN CAN AFFORD
“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions” (MATTHEW 19:22).
Jesus could not have made it any plainer in His teachings that every man during his lifetime must decide for himself whether or not he can afford the terrible luxury of unbelief!

When the rich young ruler learned the cost of discipleship, he went away sorrowing. He could not give up the sunny side of the brae. But thanks be to God, there are some in every age who refuse to go back! The Acts of the Apostles is the story of men and women who turned their faces into the stiff wind of persecution and loss and followed the Lamb whithersoever He went. They knew that the world hated Christ without a cause and hated them for His sake; but for the glory that was set before them they continued steadfastly on the way.

What is it that Christ has to offer us that is sound, genuine and desirable?
He offers forgiveness of sins, inward cleansing, peace with God, eternal life, the gift of the Holy Spirit, victory over temptation, resurrection from the dead, a glorified body, immortality and a dwelling place in the house of the Lord forever! These are a few of the benefits that come to us as a result of faith in Christ and total committal to Him.

To accept the call of Christ changes the returning sinner indeed, but it does not change the world. The wind still blows toward hell and the man who is walking in the opposite direction will have the wind in his face. We had better take this into account: If the unsearchable riches of Christ are not worth suffering for, we should know it now and cease to play at religion!

A. W. Tozer