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Counting the Cost
The call of Jesus Christ often sharply contrasts with what secular society and culture suggest religion should offer. It's easy to slip into the health-and-wealth mentality often promoted on religious television or found in countless self-help books on bookstore shelves.
But the real, historical Savior we follow did not promise comfort or financial security while keeping our faith compartmentalized and confined to a small Sunday-morning segment of our lives. Faith in Him doesn't guarantee ease or well-being this side of eternity.
Rather, Jesus’ call was one of radical devotion and sacrifice. In Mark 8:34-35, He declares, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” The apostle Paul, who exemplified a life of self-denial and cross-bearing, affirms this reality in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
This underscores the profound cost of discipleship. A follower of Jesus is not only called to take up their cross, willingly sharing in Christ's suffering, but also to face inevitable persecution.
However, our suffering is not without purpose. As Paul writes in Romans 8:17, we suffer with Jesus "in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Sharing in Christ's suffering leads to sharing in His glory.
While the world offers temporary treasures, Christ promises eternal glory and unity with God Himself. Have you counted the cost? And more importantly, have you considered the reward?
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