for free.” Your experience probably bears this out to a large degree.

When we want something that actually has value, there is a price to pay.

Of course, we don’t hold back from paying that price if we really

believe that what we get in return is of much greater value. Jesus

spoke to three men who offered to follow Him, and His words invite them

to pay a price. All of them found a reason to refuse. These excuses

are still in play for us. So let’s allow God’s Spirit to examine our

hearts today and see if there is anything in the way of following Jesus.