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In a world that often prioritizes comfort and self-preservation, we are challenged to consider a profound question: Do we truly understand the cost of following Jesus? This isn’t about a financial transaction, but rather a response to the immeasurable gift we’ve already received. In the kingdom of heaven, the cost is our very life – a reflection of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.
Many of us readily embrace the salvation aspect of the gospel. We thank Jesus for dying for our sins and praise Him for His love. But what happens after we declare “Jesus be the Lord of my life”? Is it enough to simply speak these words, or are we called to live them out daily?
The cost of discipleship can manifest in various ways: our plans, our pride, our ideas, and even our very identity. Before we hastily proclaim, “Jesus, have it all,” we must pause and consider: Do we truly comprehend the weight of those words? Are we prepared to strip away everything we’re known for, every bit of influence we possess, and find satisfaction in Christ alone?
Luke 9:23-25 provides a sobering perspective: “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?'”
This passage emphasizes that following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to self-denial and surrender. The cross we’re called to bear isn’t about minor inconveniences or frustrations. When Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, He faced humiliation, rejection, and physical brutality from those who claimed to love Him. Are we willing to bear our cross to the point of dying to self?
However, amidst this weighty call, there’s immense joy to be found. Jesus promises that those who lose their life for His sake will find it. It’s in the process of denying ourselves that we truly see God and become more like Him. He is the life we receive on the other side of this cost and it’s profoundly joyful.
We’re reminded of the rich young ruler in Mark 10, who approached Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus instructed him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, the man went away sorrowful, unable to let go of his wealth. This story challenges us to examine our own hearts. What are we holding onto that prevents us from fully surrendering to Christ?
In contrast, we see the example of the Apostle Paul, who counted everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Writing from prison, Paul declared, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His perspective demonstrates a life so devoted to Jesus that even imprisonment couldn’t shake his faith or joy.
The cost of following Jesus isn’t about earning His love – that’s freely given through grace. Rather, it’s our response to that love and salvation. It’s about saying “yes” to God even when it’s uncomfortable or goes against our plans. It’s about trusting Him enough to let go of our own agendas and embracing His will for our lives.
This surrender isn’t meant to be burdensome. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” When we yield to Him, we find true freedom and experience the fruits of the Spirit in abundance – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The beautiful paradox of the Christian life is that in losing ourselves, we gain everything. We gain a deeper understanding of God, a more intimate relationship with Him, and a life filled with purpose and eternal significance. As we let go of our earthly treasures and pursuits, we store up treasures in heaven that can never be taken away.
So, what does this mean for us practically? It means daily choosing to put God first, even when it’s difficult. It means being willing to go where He calls us, even if it doesn’t align with our five-year plan. It means loving others sacrificially, forgiving when it hurts, and standing firm in our faith even when faced with opposition.
It’s about recognizing that everything we have – our talents, resources, relationships – are gifts from God to be used for His glory. When we hold onto these things too tightly, we limit how God can work in and through us. But when we open our hands and hearts, saying “Lord, it’s all Yours,” we create space for Him to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
This journey of surrender isn’t a one-time event, but a daily choice. Some days it may feel easier than others, but the invitation remains constant: Will we choose to follow Jesus, no matter the cost?
As we contemplate this, let’s remember the words of Jim Elliot, a missionary who gave his life sharing the gospel: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” In giving our lives fully to Christ, we gain an abundant life now and eternal life to come.
Today, let’s challenge ourselves to examine our hearts. Are there areas we’re still holding back from God? Are we willing to lay everything down at His feet – our dreams, our fears, our very identities – and trust Him completely?
The cost of following Jesus is high, but the reward is beyond measure. As we surrender our lives to Him day by day, may we experience the deep joy, peace, and purpose that can only be found in wholehearted devotion to our Savior. For in losing our lives for His sake, we truly find them.
