What does it mean to become a disciple and truly follow Jesus? Jesus Himself said to first count the cost of this decision. If we examine the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, each person who truly followed Him gave up everything. For example: Abraham, Sarah, Moses, David, Ruth, Joseph, the 12 Disciples, Paul, the Woman at the Well. They were willing to sacrifice anything and everything to walk with Him: time, security/comfort, possessions, dreams, behavior/habits, identity, career, business, ministry, family, friends. Would you be willing to do that? If He asked you to walk away from anyone or anything, would you obey?
Jesus said himself in Luke 14: 26-27, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” These are strong words, but they are the truth of following Jesus.
A lot of times as Christians we can confuse God's blessings with a Christian walk that faces no real trials or struggles at all. Some of us were falsely told that if we came to Jesus all of our problems would be solved. This is an inaccurate representation of the gospel and can lead people astray. To become a true disciple, we need to lay down our lives and anything else that we might put before God.
In the Bible, the rich young ruler is a perfect example of someone who was unwilling to become a true disciple because of his love for money and possessions. Jesus could see his heart, and told him, "One thing you lack; go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Mark 10:21) The rich young ruler walked away deeply saddened because he knew that his love for money was greater than his love for Jesus. This example serves as a sober warning to us all. For some it is money, others it might be fear of man or the love of the world, but regardless of what it is, anything we put before God will hinder us from becoming a true disciple.
We must ask ourselves, are we willing to count the cost?
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