If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luke 14:26-28

Alot of people think being a “Christian” is easy, just repeat a few words and you get a golden ticket to Heaven. Well apparently they didn’t read the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. There is a great cost to becoming a Christian, and no I’m not referring to a financial cost, its the cost of your old lifestyle, your old habits, your old friends, your old self. It’s a total transformation becoming Born Again through Christ

Jesus said “Anyone who doesn’t hate their father, mother, wife, children, sister, and your own life, can’t be my disciple” What? Of course Jesus is speaking in hyperbole, he’s trying to make a point. Anyone who puts anything or anyone ahead of God, can’t be a disciple of Christ. There is no such thing as a “part-time Christian” although we see it alot in todays culture. You can’t be a Christian on Sunday and be your old self the other 6 days. If you have been Born Again, you are a new creature, a new creation, your life has changed forever, and it comes with a cost!

Jesus also said “Whoever doesn’t carry their cross, can’t be my disciple” Again this is a hyperbole, Jesus is not expecting you to get crucified. Jesus is saying there is going to be a cost to being his disciple. If you want to be a Christian, you must pay that cost. You might lose family members, or friends , or maybe even your job when you become a Christian. 

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:29-33

Jesus is saying before you become a Christian, consider the cost! Are you willing to give up everything for The Lord? Are you willing to finish the race? You can’t receive Christ half-heartedly , you are either saved or lost. But understand , the narrow path to life won’t be easy. However remember Jesus paid the ultimate price for you, he paid the wages for your sins so that you may inherit eternal life

Is being a Christian easy, no! Is the pain and suffering worth it, absolutely! Understand that at the cross, Jesus has already overcome the world, defeating sin and death forever! Deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Jesus Amen!