The cost of discipleship
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."” (NIV) Luke 18:22
In life, there is a price for everything under the sun. The price we need to pay for anything may be tangible or not. Nothing happens at no cost. Before you can work, you need to be trained either formerly or informally to get some skill. For example, learning a trade is quite demanding on your time, money, transportation and require humility to be with your master. Schooling is also huge demanding occupation which demands your best in everything. As for marriage, it takes divine grace to enter and sustain it in a manner approved by God. Even, ordinary friendships come with cost to anybody in terms or calls and visitations. Remember: No pain no gain, no cross no crown. All of us want to be part of the institutions mentioned because of the reward we gain from them.
When it comes to discipleship, remember 3 things. There is a universal call by Christ to everybody, there is cost and there is a reward. A disciple is a student or a follower. All Christians are Disciples of Christ. Christ has called all of us for a reward. A disciple is a lifelong long learner to follow Christ to heaven whether in good or bad times. If you are not yet part of Christ church, your divine calling is still waiting for you.
The reward for responding to the calling is already secured. Jesus assured us: in my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2). God does not lie and his promises are sure and true. Heaven is the reward for all those who willingly accept the divine calling to be disciple or follower of Christ.
Salvation is free, for God does not charge any fee for offering salvation. Does that mean there is no cost attached? Remember nothing is free. Following Jesus comes with a cost in financial or non-financial terms. Salvation demands self-denial of so many pleasures of this world. Some of the pleasures are sinful while others are not. Denying yourself means that what you think does not matter. We need to put ourselves aside and obey what the master says. Being a true disciple of Christ will cost us everything. Amen.