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Have you ever felt the pressure to “bow down before the statue”? Perhaps everybody was talking about that series or listening to that new album and you knew it wasn’t the best. Or everybody was going to that party and you know what happens at parties at that person’s house. Or maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend was ready to take that next step in the relationship. Or maybe you felt like you had to pursue that college or career because of pressure from your parents or teachers.

Everyone has been in this place. Everyone has found themselves in a place where there was a lot of social pressure and everybody else was doing it, yet, they knew that following Jesus required something different. Following Jesus creates tension. Following Jesus will often require that you go against the flow and make the unpopular decision.

Jesus told his followers they must "count the cost” of being his disciple because, the reality is, following Jesus will cost you something. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to give their lives to follow God. You may have to give up some personal freedoms, a dream you once had, a college choice, relationships, or something else in order to chase after God’s best for your life.

What is God asking of you? Where have you been holding back? What cost may you have to pay to fully follow Jesus?