Counting the COST of Discipleship

There are very few who understands what it truly means to follow Christ. Those of us, who fully get it, understand there is no other option!

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26

To carry our cross requires every ounce of our being, time, attention, sacrifice of our will to accomplish the Lord’s Will regardless of what others say, think or do against us. After all, it is Christ they reject not us. It means letting go of the temporary fulfillments of the flesh, our own desires & plans to completely trade it for all God is and offers. It is being ready and willing at all times to share with all people the life transforming message of Jesus Christ.

Considering the COST:

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-33

Jesus gave us two examples here of one who began a great work in building a tower, but didn’t take in consideration the cost, with not enough means to complete the task. The other is a king who plans an attack, but doesn’t take in consideration the number of his army verse his enemy. Neither sat down and looked at the bigger picture.

Jesus is saying, we must keep Him first and foremost above all we hold near and dear. He is the first priority! Loyalty to Him above all people in our lives and things we desire is absolutely PARAMOUNT! Not an easy choice, especially in the day and age we live in. Society teaches we ourselves are to be number one. What Jesus teaches us couldn’t be more opposite. It’s easy to live for self over Christ, but it’s the first He requires we sacrifice.

"This is the true life of faith. Not according to what nature sees or thinks to be acceptable, do I live, but according to what Jesus says and would have. Every day and every hour I confirm the wonderful thought, “Not I, but Christ” (Galatians 2:20). I am nothing, Christ is everything. “You are dead,” and no longer have power, or will, or honour, “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Christ’s power and will alone prevail. Christians, cheerfully deny that sinful wretched self so that the glorious Christ may dwell in you." -- Andrew Murray

I’ve made the commitment whole hearted to follow Christ, I’ve counted the cost and I surrender all I am to His purpose, glory and gain. It is no secret what He requires of you. Will you too count the cost and carry your cross daily?