A Disciple Who Gives Up

So much of our lives is spent comparing costs. Whether it’s the price of gas or the price of eggs, we know what it means to “count the cost.” It’s not uncommon to find myself explaining to my five and seven-year-olds the value of products and services as they learn about the use of money. So much of how we explain “the cost of living” has to do with the actual financial need. But we can’t fully appreciate the value of something without taking into consideration what it means to practically be without a particular product or service. What does it look like if we simply stop purchasing fuel for our cars or cancel a streaming service? When Jesus talks about the “cost of discipleship,” He wants his listeners to consider what they must give or give up in order to be true followers (Mk 10:17-22). It will cost you, He warns His disciples (Lk 14:33). But what so many of His followers failed to consider was what it would cost them to not be a disciple of Jesus. If we count the cost primarily in terms of what we will lose on earth, we’re focusing on the wrong cost. Jesus wants us to count the cost of nondiscipleship: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt 16:26). To place our hope and joy in the material gains of this life, the loss is unthinkable. We miss out on forgiveness, fellowship, grace, the joy and presence of the Holy Spirit, the edification of the saints, victory over sin, and ultimately death. We miss out on the heavenly treasure of lasting joy and union with God (1 Pet 1:4; 2 Cor 4:17). As we consider this week the call to discipleship out of Luke 14, choose Jesus and the treasure that He is. What we give up in this life to follow Him is no loss at all when you consider the gain you have in Christ. It’s our idolatrous hearts that make us feel like the demands Jesus makes are far too high. In reality, the cost of a nondisciple is far greater. –Pastor Nate

Sunday at Liberty

9AM: The Definition of Conscience–Romans 1-2 

10AM: Pastor Nate–A Disciple Who Gives Up–Luke 14:25-35 (sermon notes)

No Evening Gathering