The Costs of / in Following Christ

First of all Following Christ is the highest calling, but it comes with a price. Jesus never promised an easy path; He promised eternal life, but the road is narrow and sacrificial. True discipleship demands surrender, commitment, and endurance.

Luke 14:27–28 – And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—

“The way to heaven is a narrow way. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men of noble purpose and firm determination.” (Steps to Christ, p. 43)

There is a Call to Self-Denial

Discipleship begins with self-denial. To follow Christ means letting go of selfish desires, ambitions, and worldly pleasures.

Matthew 16:24 – Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

*“The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan.”* (Ministry of Healing, p. 453)

The Costs of Separation from the World

The decision to follow Christ often separates believers from family, friends, and society.

John 15:19 – If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

2 Corinthians 6:17 – Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”

*“The line of demarcation between worldling(s) and many professed Christians is almost indistinguishable… But there is an unmistakable difference between the Christian and the worldling. The world loves sin and hates righteousness. The followers of Christ have put away sin, and they love righteousness and truth.”* (The Great Controversy, p. 43)

The Cost of Persecution and Suffering

Christ warned that His followers would face trials and persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12 – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Matthew 10:22 – And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

“Those who will be loyal to God and to the truth for this time must expect opposition. They must expect to be hated, persecuted, and abused; yea, they must expect to suffer for Christ’s sake.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 136)

The Cost of Absolute Surrender

True discipleship requires surrender of everything—our possessions, our will, and our future plans.

Luke 14:33 – So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God this is your true and proper worship.

“Christ requires the whole being- heart, mind, soul, and strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 48)

The Reward Outweighs the Cost

Though the cost is great, the reward of eternal life is greater than any sacrifice.

Matthew 19:29 – *“*And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

“Heaven is cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, and be crucified to the world.” (Early Writings, p. 67)

	We should Count the costs daily and ask ourselves this question , “Am I willing to give this up for Christ?”

	Endure trials with patience and Remember that not fitting in with the world and persecution is evidence that we belong to Him.

	and always Keep eyes on the reward because Sacrifices today secure eternal joy.

Hebrews 12:2 –** **looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”

The cost of following Christ is everything, but the reward is eternal life with Him. To be a disciple means taking up the cross, enduring trials, and surrendering all. In the end, no earthly loss compares to the eternal gain.

Mark 8:36 – For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?