January 11, 2003 Saturday
The Cost of Discipleship

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

The claim to discipleship is easy to make, but the reality is something that most will never truly bear. "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it". (Luke 14:28) It's never wise to begin building something that will never be completed because of the cost factor...so we must ask ourselves a simple question, what is the true cost of discipleship? "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Mathew 10:37) Bearing our own cross simply means Christ is first in our life and everything else is secondary. However, when people finally see this truth become a reality in our lives they will be cut to the heart. Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mathew 10:34) A disciple of Christ must realize that their obedience to the Lord will rarely result in complete satisfaction in the hearts of those who are even closest to them. If we try to satisfy men instead of Christ alone then we can be sure that we are grieving our Lord and His will for our life has become hindered. There might not be anyone who is willing to go with you if you follow your Lord, but will you still follow? Have you truly counted the cost of complete obedience to discipleship?