Discipleship – What Is The Cost?

According to Random House, a “disciple” is a “a pupil … of another; follower.” That makes sense; a “follower” of Gandi studies his teachings and follows his teachings. It is not just that he believes Gandi existed. It is the same for a disciple/follower of Christ. And what many don’t realize is there are “costs” to being a disciple of Christ (Luke 14:27-28).

First, being a disciple of Christ might cost us monetarily. Zacchaeus illustrates the fact that as disciples we have to be honest in everything we do, and that might cost us some money on occasion. Luke 19:2,8 reads … there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. … And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Prov 11:1 said “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.” (NKJV). Examples: A gorgeous young lady might have to forego a lucrative modeling career since she won’t dress immodestly (I Tim 2:9-10). A great college football player may forego millions because he won’t skip church services to play in the NFL on Sundays (Heb 10:25, Matt 6:33).

Second, being a follower of Christ might cost us some pleasures. It most definitely will cost us any sinful pleasures. And don’t let any preacher tell you sin isn’t pleasurable. If it wasn’t, why is it such a big temptation? Heb 11:24-26 shows us the great example of Moses being willing to give up the pleasures of sin for the “reward” of heaven when it reads “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Since Gal 5:19-21 says those involved in “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness … shall not inherit the kingdom of God,” a handsome young man who is used to getting (sexually) just about any girl he wants will have to give that up.

Third, being a disciple of Christ might cost us our current religion/church. That may surprise some, but the truth demands such in many cases. You might say John 8:31-32 teaches the Bible definition for “disciple” is a person who continues in God’s word; practicing the truth to be set free from sin. And what does that imply about religious error? Keep in mind Paul was a strict, conscientious Jew before he was converted (Acts 26:5, 23:1, 22:16), but he had to leave that “church” when he became a follower of Christ. John 12:42-43 gives us the example of some chief rulers who needed to make the same change, but weren’t willing. We may have to give up the church we grew up in to follow where the truth leads.

Fourth, being a follower of Christ might cost us with family. Matt 10:37 (“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me”) should impress us with that fact. So also Luke 18:29-30 – “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” A person may lose his soul by putting off obeying the gospel because he thinks it would cause friction with his parents, or his girl-friend or spouse, or his siblings, or his children, or his card/board game friends, or his drinking buddies, or at his job. We have to be willing to get out of our comfort zone. Luke 14:26 (“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”) doubles down on this point.

Think about some challenging spiritual leadership we would do well to emulate: John the Baptist lost his head standing for God’s truth on Divorce And Remarriage in his day (Mark 6:17-18,27). Are we willing to do the same in our day? Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son for God Genesis 22:1-2,10-12. Wow! – almost unfathomable. Jesus suffered an excruciatingly painful sacrificial death (John 19:1,17-18) and we are the beneficiaries (I Cor 15:3).

Luke 14:33 sums up well our point here “… whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (ASV). When you have time, read Matt 16:24-26 as there Jesus defines what it means to be his disciple. Talk about challenging!

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