Jesus doesn’t promise prosperity, ease, popularity, comfort. Hardly. He promised that if we do right, the world will hate us! Attack us! Beat us!

Really? That’s not the way to build churches or attract people… Oh but yes it is! It is reality and reality, truth, however hard, is what attracts real people.

Remember the Alamo? That moment when Travis drew the line in the sand? He plainly laid out reality… All who stayed would likely die. He didn’t sugar coat anything. I can imagine he looked into their eyes and explained simply, we will die, but die doing what’s right. Will you die with me? Choose now but know the consequences of your choice. There will be no turning back.

Jesus does much the same. He is honest. Take this mission to carry His light to the world, and the world will hate you for it. You will be their enemy. You will suffer, likely die. Will you go anyway?

Count the cost! It is real! God’s Church is not a social club! It is a hospital! The committed followers of Christ go out into the world on a mission weekly and get beat up. They look forward to church for rest, healing, encouragement, strength, only to go back out into the battle. That’s reality! It is not about entertainment, good music and friends, what a silly notion! Church is about survival in a world that despises Christians!

Don’t worry, Jesus watches over His own. Nothing will befall us that He can not handle. But count the cost! That’s the real message, and that’s how you build a committed strong army… prepare them with truth. Equip them for the battle. THEN celebrate all those who truthfully stepped over that line in the sand. You have now a true friend. A committed partner. A real Christian standard bearer who will not shrink from the battle when trouble comes.

Jesus spoke reality. His message was hard. That’s why He promised to be with us, to guide us in all truth, comfort us in every ordeal, because we need it! This life… It’s hard! It is an epic battle between good and evil. We must each face our Goliath’s. Will you be the one to pick up those stones and slingshot? Will you stand against evil no matter what?

That’s who Jesus is looking for, that is who He empowers to take out the Giants. Those willing even though unable. Those knowing the reality and still going.

What will you do?