Some callings we prefer not to answer. We see what is required of us and would like to find another way. But our growth in maturity calls for many moments of costly obedience.

Jesus knowing the path of the cross was before him prayed to the Father for this cup to be removed. But he ultimately submitted to the Father’s will and endured the cross.

This is costly obedience – submitting to a greater good even though it comes with a high personal cost.

And like Jesus, many of us also wrestle with God in answering the call he has given us in our daily lives.

Part of us knows it’s the good and right thing to do. And part of us still doesn’t want to do it because of what it will cost us.

For instance, we might be called to take a politically incorrect position, actively care for someone on the other side of the aisle, or dare question the unquestioned traditions of our group.

It’s tempting to just blend in and not rock the boat, but the issues are too important to ignore.

And even on the home front, there are often tough conversations to have with our wife or awkward conversations to have with our kid that we much rather avoid.

It will cost us something to have these conversations, but we cannot abdicate our roles as husband and father either.

There are times in which we will eagerly answer God’s call for us. And many other times we will wrestle – fully aware of the price costly obedience brings.

Wrestling reminds us of our humanity and need for grace. But to play it safe and neglect our call ultimately brings only heartache and misery throughout the realm of our influence.

Obey what God has called you to even when it’s costly.

Photo by Daniel Schaffer on Unsplash

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist - providing Christian counseling and soul care to individuals and couples, with a special emphasis on developing the masculine soul. Suwanee, GA 30024