The Price for Following God: Unpacking the Cost of Discipleship

As believers, we often talk about the blessings and benefits of following God, but we rarely discuss the price that comes with it. In Luke 14:25-30, Jesus teaches us that following Him requires a willingness to pay the price.

The Price is Not Optional

Following God is not always about the prize and rewards; there is a price to pay. While we often focus on the blessings and benefits of being a Christian, we must not forget that discipleship comes with a cost. Jesus didn't promise us a life of ease and comfort; instead, He called us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The price we pay is not just about what we give up, but also about what we gain: a deeper relationship with God, a transformed life, and an eternal inheritance.

Moreover, Jesus reminds us that the path to eternal life is narrow and requires a commitment to follow Him.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

This scripture reminds us that following God is not a popular or easy choice, but it is the only path that leads to true life and eternal salvation.

Steps to Paying the Price

So, what does it take to follow God and pay the price? Here are four essential steps:

1. Belief in His Word

The first step to paying the price is to believe in God's Word. This requires a childlike faith that trusts in God's promises, even when they don't make sense. Abraham's belief in God's promise to make him the father of many nations is a classic example of this kind of faith (Romans 4:18-22).

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God's promises more?

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to believe in Your Word and trust in Your promises.

2. Dropping Limitations

The second step is to drop our limitations and excuses. We often allow our circumstances, time constraints, or past experiences to hold us back from following God. However, God is not limited by our limitations. When we surrender our limitations to Him, He can do the impossible.

"For with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

Moreover, we must remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His wisdom is not our wisdom.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Reflection Question: What limitations or excuses holding you back from following God?

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to drop my limitations and excuses, and surrender my circumstances to You.

3. Focusing on the New

The third step is to focus on the new things God is doing in our lives. This requires a willingness to let go of old mindsets, habits, and patterns of thinking. We must be brutally honest with ourselves and audit our thinking patterns to ensure they align with God's Word.

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Reflection Question: What old mindsets or habits do you need to let go of to follow God more closely?

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to focus on the new things You are doing in my life, and let go of old mindsets and habits.

4. Allowing Yourself to Undergo Pruning

The fourth and final step is to allow ourselves to undergo the pruning process. God's pruning process is not always easy or comfortable, but it is necessary for our growth and transformation. When we submit to God's pruning, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and more fruitful.

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2).

Reflection Question: Are you willing to undergo God's pruning process to become more fruitful?

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to submit to Your pruning process, and trust that You are working everything out for my good.

The Reward is Worth the Price

While paying the price to follow God may seem daunting, the reward is well worth it. When we surrender our lives to God, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life. We experience joy and peace.