Commitment to Christ was never intended to be a dreary duty of self-denial. Rather it is to be like finding a pearl of such beauty, color, weight and value that we gladly sell everything else just to own the pearl. As John White writes, "The cross symbolizes our willingness to give up all else for the surpassing glory of following it, or to die if need be. Jesus calls us to pick it up and heave it over our backs -- not wear it on our lapels or round our necks, but carry it over our shoulders. Following Christ, says White, is not cheap. The cost is substantial. There will be suffering and loss. But the benefits, the rewards, the joys that come with our commitment to him are well worth the sacrifices that must be made to satisfy our magnificent obsession. - Back cover.