Too Much

“Too much” is a relative term. How can we determine what is too much? What is too much food? Too much to drink? Too much perfume? Too much time? Is there such a thing as too much love?

We sometimes think, “Oh, that’s too much to ask!” We don’t like demands made of our time, energy, or money. And so we shrink from sacrifice, even for the sake of God’s kingdom. But what was the example set by Jesus? He (remember who He is – the holy Son of the omnipotent God), “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”(Philippians 2:7-8, NIV).

And what were Christ’s words to his followers? “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NKJV). I think it’s interesting that at the time Jesus said that, the listeners had no idea that He would actually bear a real cross for them. This was before His crucifixion. But they must have known this challenge would include great sacrifice. Too much to ask?

Paul’s great invitation to all of us who are Christ followers is found in Romans 12:1. “And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” That’s how it’s put in The Living Bible. The King James version calls it our “reasonable service.” And isn’t it? Doesn’t it just make perfect sense that if we call ourselves followers of Christ that we do as He did?

It’s one thing for us to sacrifice ourselves for His sake. But what about our children? Most of us want the best for them. A good education, a good job, plenty of money, a good reputation. But we squirm at a little discomfort. We balk at poverty. We resist any pain for us or our loved ones. Should we expect to avoid all of this? Why, when we have the promise of trouble in this life and of a glorious life to come? Paul assured us in Romans 8:18 (KJV), “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” 

When that time comes, we won’t think He asked too much, will we?