Scripture to Read: Luke 14:25–35
Jesus lays out the cost of following Him in Luke 14:25–35. To be a disciple of Jesus means to be a follower and learner of Him. When people say they are ready to surrender to Christ as Lord, they must come without reservation and a willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly. Jesus makes it clear that we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37–40). Our love for Him must be so strong that our obedience and loyalty to Jesus and our obedience and loyalty to everyone and everything else do not even come close. To bear our cross means we must die to ourselves every day and pursue Christ and His Word. The two examples Jesus uses, “to calculate the cost” before building something and to “consider whether he is strong enough” before going into battle, help the listeners to know that it costs someone everything to be a disciple of Jesus. But as heavy as that cost might sound, it is nothing compared to what it costs someone to reject Him as Lord. Surrendering to Christ as Lord means turning to Him and turning away from all of the stuff this world has to offer. Finally, Jesus spoke of salt becoming tasteless and losing its usefulness. Jesus is warning against compromise and half-hearted discipleship. We must be men and women who live a life of integrity. We must cast aside behaviors or beliefs that are fleshly and dishonor our Lord. God lovingly disciplines His children who need it (Hebrews 12:5–11), but may we remain salty for His glory, honor, and praise.
Challenge & Application
What does it cost to follow Christ as Lord, but also what are the incredible blessings of following Him as Lord?
How do you guard your life from becoming fleshly and dishonoring to our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!