“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

Dr. Stephen Olford, long time Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, tells the story of a lovely girl from Chicago from a wealthy Jewish family.  The young lady was sent to a fine college and there learned science, art, dancing, and languages.  At this school, in the sovereign providence of God she met a Christian friend who pointed her to salvation in Jesus Christ.  One night she went to a revival meeting and at the close of the service she gave her life to Christ, yielded to Him, and decided she would dedicate her life to missionary service.  She wrote home to her father and told him of her decision.  He went into a rage and ordered her to come home immediately.  On arrival, her father met her at the door and greeted her angrily.  “I did not send you to school to get religion.  That is all right for poor folk and half-wits but not for you.  You will have to get this religious notion out of your head.  If by tomorrow morning you have not decided to give up this foolish notion you will pack your suitcase and leave this home.”  She went to her room with a heavy heart.  It would mean loss of love, culture, money, prestige.  On her knees she fought it out.  The next morning she packed her suitcase.  Before leaving, she stepped over to the piano in front of her family and started to play and sing:

Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow Thee;

Destitute, despised, forsaken,

Thou, from hence, my all shalt be:

Perish every fond ambition,

All I’ve sought, and hoped, and known;

Yet how rich is my condition,

God and heaven are still my own!

This young lady paid the price for following Christ.  We are called to no less commitment.  We are called to forsake all and follow Him.  We are called to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.