The Cost of Following Jesus
A Hard Truth We Don’t Like to Hear
You’ve probably heard that salvation is free. And it is Jesus who paid the full price with His life. But here’s what many people don’t realize: following Jesus will cost you everything.
That’s not a marketing slogan. It’s a truth straight from the mouth of Jesus. In Luke 14:27, He said, “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” This isn’t about earning salvation. It’s about surrendering every part of our lives because He is worth it.
I’ve seen believers start strong in their faith, full of excitement, only to walk away when following Jesus became inconvenient. Why? Because they didn’t count the cost.
What Taking Up Your Cross Really Means
First, let’s clear up a misunderstanding. Taking up your cross isn’t about enduring random hardships like a bad boss or a flat tire. It’s about a daily choice to deny yourself and live for God’s purposes instead of your own.
Think of it like signing over the deed of your life to Jesus. Your plans, your ambitions, your rights they now belong to Him. And just as Jesus gave up everything for us, we’re called to give up everything for Him.
The Pain and the Reward
Yes, there’s a cost. You might lose relationships that pull you away from Christ. You might give up comforts you once treasured. You might stand alone for your faith in a world that mocks it.
But here’s the promise what you gain is infinitely greater. Temporary pleasures fade, but eternal joy lasts forever. No career, possession, or human approval can compare to the peace and purpose found in Jesus.
A Personal Check-In
When I was younger in my faith, I held onto certain dreams tightly. I told God, “You can have everything… except this.” But over time, I learned that surrendering those dreams didn’t destroy me. it set me free.
So I’ll ask you: what’s in your hands right now that God is asking you to lay down? Is it control over your future? A relationship you know is not honoring Him? Comfort that’s keeping you from obedience?
A Call to Commit
Following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a daily, sometimes hourly, choice. The cross is heavy, but the path leads to life.
Jesus never promised ease. But He did promise Himself and that’s more than enough. The cross is temporary. Eternity with Him is forever.
Quick Quiz: Count the Cost
Which of these would be the hardest for you to give up for Jesus?
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A relationship
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Financial security
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Career ambitions
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Personal comfort
(Comment your answer and why it may inspire someone else to follow boldly!)
Poll: What Helps You Stay Committed to Following Jesus?
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Reading the Bible daily
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Prayer and worship
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Accountability with other believers
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Remembering eternity
Final Encouragement
If you’ve been holding back, today is the day to hand it all over. Jesus gave everything for you. The cost is real, but the reward is eternal.
Luke 9:24 says it best: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
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