Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14.27 NRSV)
Tony Campolo was preaching in West Virginia one night. Two young lawyers were part of the congregation. Compolo's sermon was on the cost of discipleship. At the conclusion of the service the invitation was given for people to commit themselves fully to Christian service. The two young lawyers did not come forward. However, they did accept the challenge to change their lives and seek ways in which they could more fully serve Christ.

The two men practiced law together. As a result of the call to discipleship these lawyers decided to offer free legal services to poor people in their county. This was a decision that went beyond the amount of free service that most law firms provide. These lawyers would help anyone in the county who needed their help--without cost. People responded to their generosity.

Their commitment to helping the poor, though, changed their lives in ways they did not expect. They soon gained new paying customers. Even more surprising a number of people who had been delinquent with their bills suddenly paid them in full. "I suppose they didn't want to cheat lawyers who helped the poor," one of the lawyers explained.

These men have taken the first step in becoming disciples of Jesus.

God of love, help me to be a disciple not a pew sitter. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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