The Cost Of Being A Disciple

There is a high price to pay for being a disciple of Christ—a price that money cannot buy. It requires self-denial, sacrifice, and the willingness to take up one’s cross daily.

Of these, self-denial often seems to be the most challenging for many Christians. Why? It could stem from a lack of discipline, insufficient mentorship, or the mistaken belief that we can navigate life on our own terms while still following Christ.

Jesus Himself addressed this in Luke 9:23 when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This isn’t a one-time decision but a daily commitment to prioritize Christ over our own desires, comforts, and plans.

Count The Cost

Jesus made it abundantly clear that anyone considering discipleship must first weigh the cost.

He emphasized this truth repeatedly, using practical examples from everyday life to drive the point home.

In Luke 14:28-35, Jesus asks us to reflect: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” He challenges us to consider whether we have the resources—spiritual, emotional, and practical—to follow Him faithfully.

Jesus goes on to warn that if we lay the foundation but cannot complete the project, others will ridicule us, saying, “This person began to build and was not able to finish.”

This teaching encourages us to make a wise and deliberate decision about the cost of being a disciple. It’s not a call to perfection but a call to readiness—to understand that following Christ will require sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment.

When we fail to finish well, it can harm our witness. Our actions might discourage others or cause them to mock the faith we claim to represent.

Such moments remind us of the critical importance of endurance in discipleship. Ultimately, Jesus calls us to build with intention, not haste.

He urges us to consider not only the foundation but also the entire structure of our walk with Him, ensuring that our lives reflect the cost we’ve counted—and the Savior we’ve chosen to follow.

Desipising Our Witness

The cost of being a disciple is no small matter; it comes with great challenges. Many of us start strong, but somewhere along the way, we lose sight of the importance of our witness.

Our witness is a reflection of who we represent—Christ. When we stop caring about representing Him well, we become like builders who laid a foundation with no intention of completing the structure.

I’ve known people like this, and truthfully, I used to be one of them. I’ve seen how some begin their walk with God, professing a deep commitment to Him and all that discipleship entails.

But then, when faced with the reality of Jesus’ words in Matthew 8:20—“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head”—we begin to falter.

The discomfort of sacrifice sets in, and suddenly, the cost feels too high.

We neglect the call to discipleship when we allow our flesh to overpower our spirit. By failing to consider the cost of being a disciple, we risk becoming a stumbling block to others.

Our unfaithfulness can lead others to mock us, saying things like, “I told you it wasn’t worth it,” or “You did all that for what?”

This ridicule is painful, but it’s also a reminder of why it’s crucial to count the cost and remain steadfast. A half-built faith not only affects us but also those who look to us as examples.

Standing On The Firm Foundation

Your witness of being a disciple of Christ doesn’t just affect us; it can also impact others. This is why we must be mindful of how we present ourselves to the world.

In John 6:48-66, Jesus delivered a hard teaching about being the bread of life, saying that His body was true bread and His blood true drink.

Many of the disciples who had been following Him found this teaching too difficult to accept.

As a result, they made the decisive choice to turn away. This wasn’t a casual departure but a deliberate rejection of Jesus and His message.

In response, Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will you also go away?” This question wasn’t just rhetorical; it was an invitation for them to reevaluate their commitment and consider the cost of following Him.

Peter, speaking for the group, boldly declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In that moment, Peter acknowledged that eternal life exists only through Christ.

This pivotal moment reminds us that discipleship requires a choice—a choice between following Christ or following the desires of our flesh.

It also serves as a call to action for us to “make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Being a disciple of Christ is not a passive endeavor; it demands a deliberate, unwavering commitment to Him, no matter how difficult the journey may become.

How to “Finish Well” as a Disciple of Christ

Finishing well as a disciple of Christ means more than just starting strong; it involves maintaining faithfulness, even when the journey becomes difficult. Here are some practical ways to ensure that your walk with Christ reflects endurance and purpose:

1. Daily Renewal in the Word

Consistently studying Scripture provides spiritual strength and clarity for the path ahead. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Building a foundation on God’s Word equips us to face challenges and helps us remain steadfast in our faith.

• Modern Challenge: In today’s world, distractions like social media and entertainment can take precedence over time with God. A practical step is to set aside a specific time each day for prayer and Bible study, ensuring spiritual growth remains a priority.

2. Commitment to Community

Being part of a community of believers is vital for accountability and encouragement. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals helps you stay grounded in your faith.

• Modern Challenge: With busy schedules and virtual connections dominating our lives, it’s easy to neglect face-to-face fellowship. Prioritize attending a local church, small group, or Bible study to maintain genuine relationships that nurture your walk with Christ.

3. Dependence on Prayer

Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and provides the strength to persevere. As Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” A strong prayer life is essential to finishing well.

• Modern Challenge: The fast-paced nature of life often makes prayer feel like an afterthought. Combat this by treating prayer as your first response rather than your last resort, bringing every decision and struggle before God.

4. Consistency in Witness

Finishing well means living out your faith in a way that others can see Christ through you. Matthew 5:16 encourages us to, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• Modern Challenge: The pressures of secular culture can make it tempting to compromise your witness. Stay grounded in your identity as a disciple, letting your actions reflect Christ, even when it’s unpopular.

5. Keeping the End in Mind

Remember the eternal reward that comes with perseverance. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”

• Modern Challenge: When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of eternity. Keep your focus on the bigger picture by meditating on God’s promises and the joy of being in His presence forever.

Why the Cost Is Worth It

Though the cost of being a disciple is high, the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. In Mark 10:29-30, Jesus promises, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time… and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Discipleship is not about losing; it’s about gaining a life that’s fully aligned with God’s purpose and promises. This might not be all the ways we can count the cost of a disciple of Christ, but it certainly is a good start.