"What My Obedience to God Costs Other People"

I have been reading Oswald Chamber's devotional "My Utmost for His Highest" often lately.  I'm finding the topics timely and something to dwell on through out the day.  Today's title is above and here is the scripture:

As they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon . . ., and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus - Luke 23:26

I am struck by this in a few ways.

First, am I truly living and following Jesus, in such a fashion, that there is a cost to others? My living and following of Jesus needs to be transparent enough that others can easily see the joy that is brought by faith, see the mercy and grace when there is pain, see (and feel) the forgiveness when there is sin.  I desire this to take place and grow within my own life.

Secondly, I'm beginning to understand that, if I am following God's will for my life, there WILL be others who become offended by it.  This is okay, as long as I don't step outside of God's plan.  I may offer support and help, the best I can, but His way has been set before me and I need to follow it.  If one wavers to accommodate the offended, more harm will be done, than good.  Clear vision to finish the race before me, is needed and with that clear vision, be able to see those in need along the way.

My prayer is that my obedience to Christ be more transparent.