The Cost of Discipleship

Scripture:
Mark 8: 34 — “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
 
Observation:
To take up your cross in Jesus’ time was a sign of accepting a shameful slaves death. Nothing about this statement was exactly appealing, yet it was Jesus’ call to His disciples. So many times today, I think we downplay the cost of following Christ. There is a cost to following Christ. It’s not simply the act of salvation followed by church attendance and a moral life. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. That’s the cost. It means refusing to follow the worldly desires that surround us. It means letting God lead and guide every step we take. Yes, there is a cost to discipleship but after receiving the undeserved gift of salvation, it is the natural inclination of your heart to want to follow God on the path He has for your life.
 
Application:
I must consciously lay down the worldly desires of my flesh and follow Christ in obedience. I need to learn to see myself as a modern-day disciple, following Jesus, sharing His Word and His love with those around me. I must never take my salvation for granted, getting comfortable with the fact that I’m saved for all eternity and forget that I must daily follow and grow with Christ.
 
Prayer:
Shepherd, help me to daily lay down my rights of freewill to your perfect plan for my life. Help me to not pawn off salvation as simply a “fire insurance” plan but as a way of life. Spur me on in the times I struggle to lay down selfish and worldly desires. Thank you for your willingness to grow me in Your word. Thank you for laying down Your life for mine.

— Crystal Stringer, high school minister