The Cost of True Discipleship
Is following Jesus simply about attending church on Sundays, or is there something more? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young theologian in the early 20th century, grappled with this very question. His experiences as a seminary professor in New York City led him to a startling realization about the state of Christianity in his time – a realization that's just as relevant today.
The Problem of Cheap Grace
Bonhoeffer observed something troubling in the churches he visited. He wrote, "They are basically charitable churches. Others have primarily a social identity, but one cannot avoid the impression that in both cases they have completely forgotten what the point is."
This led him to coin the term "cheap grace" – a watered-down version of Christianity that demands nothing from its followers. It's the idea that you can claim to be a Christian without any real commitment or life change.
But is this what Jesus called us to?
Jesus' Call to Costly Grace
In Luke 14, Jesus turns to the crowds following Him and lays out what true discipleship looks like. His words are challenging, to say the least:
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27)
Jesus isn't calling us to literally hate our families. He's using hyperbole to make a point: our commitment to Him must surpass every other relationship and priority in our lives.
Three Saboteurs of True Discipleship
Personal Relationships: Jesus warns that even our closest relationships can become stumbling blocks if we prioritize them over our relationship with God. How often have we compromised our faith to please others or avoid rejection?
Personal Goals and Desires: Carrying our cross means dying to our own ambitions and desires. As Bonhoeffer said, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." This doesn't mean we can't have goals, but it does mean surrendering them to God's will.
Personal Possessions: Jesus challenges us to "give up everything you have" to be His disciple (Luke 14:33). This doesn't necessarily mean selling all our possessions, but it does mean holding them loosely and being willing to use them for God's purposes.
The Choice Before Us
Jesus ends His teaching with a stark image: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out" (Luke 14:34-35).
The message is clear: there's no middle ground in discipleship. We either commit fully to following Jesus, or we risk becoming useless – like saltless salt.
So how do we live out this costly grace in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
Evaluate your priorities: Are there relationships or pursuits that are competing with your commitment to Christ?
Practice daily surrender: Start each day by offering your plans and desires to God.
Be generous with your resources: Look for ways to use your possessions and talents to serve others and advance God's kingdom.
Embrace discomfort: Remember, growth often happens when we step out of our comfort zones.
Seek accountability: Find a fellow believer who can encourage you and hold you accountable in your journey of discipleship.
Remember, the path of true discipleship may be costly, but it leads to the fullest, most meaningful life possible. As Jesus promised, "Whoever loses their life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25).
Are you ready to embrace the costly grace of true discipleship?
Reflection:
1. How might I be practicing "cheap grace" in my own life?
2. In what ways am I prioritizing personal relationships, goals, or possessions over my relationship with God?
3. What would it look like for me to truly "carry my cross" and follow Jesus in my daily life?
4. How can I ensure that I am not just a follower of Jesus in name only, but a true disciple?
Application:
Take time to evaluate your priorities and commitments. Identify areas where you may be holding back from fully surrendering to God. Choose one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your commitment to costly grace and true discipleship.
Prayer:
God, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and the costly grace he offers. Forgive me for the times I have settled for cheap grace or put other things before you. Help me to truly carry my cross and follow you wholeheartedly. Give me the strength and courage to be your disciple in all areas of my life. May my actions reflect your love and transform the world around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
