The Cost of Discipleship

This Sunday’s Sermon looked at the theme of “The Cost of Discipleship.” Certainly our salvation is a pure gift of grace and not earned by any works we can do (see Eph. 2:8-9.) But Jesus speaks in the Gospel of Luke (Ch. 9 & 14) about taking up your cross and following Him. In Luke 9:23 Jesus is even more specific in saying we are to be taking up our crosses daily and following Him. (I hope you know I’m not talking about toting around pieces of lumber here.) Taking up your cross will cost you something. After my sermon, I was asked “Give me a better example of taking up our cross daily.” I told the gentleman it is when the Holy Spirit prompts us to do something that is out of our comfort zone, inconvenient, unpopular or may be difficult. I gave the example of a friend of mine who is faithfully caring for a relative who is dying. Taking care of them is time consuming, expensive and emotionally draining. This is their cross for this time in their life. Another example in my case would be public speaking. I don’t like it or feel comfortable getting up in front of groups and talking, but I do it and know God will meet me there when I do. The point is to be listening to the Holy Spirit through your day and being open to be obedient even when it costs you. That’s a disciple.