Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23

Several years ago I remember buying my dream truck. I’d done the research, I knew what I wanted and went for it! I still remember driving that truck off the lot. I love the smell of a new car, don’t you?

I also remember the day the repossession company towed away my dream truck. The cost of operating it, plus the payments were more than I expected. As a result, I lost my dream truck. I didn’t count the cost.

The failure to count the cost has resulted in homes being lost, marriages to fail, companies to fold and dreams to die. Counting the cost is vital to success relationally, emotionally and spiritually.

When Jesus called his disciples he made no grandiose promises of the life before them. He makes is clear that life following Jesus would not be easy. It would involve sacrifice. It promised humiliation and misunderstanding.

Today, we have crosses on our walls, our cars and even tattooed into our skin as a symbol of allegiance to Jesus. That wasn’t the case in Jesus’ time. Crosses meant pain, suffering humiliation, sacrifice and death. Once you had a cross with your name on it, your life was over!

Following Jesus is more than a prayer or going to church when you have time. It’s more than a bumper sticker or a social media post.
Cross bearing is painful, voluntary, at times humiliating and always involves sacrifice. Don’t take following Jesus lightly.

Count the cost, and if you are willing, if your think life with Jesus is better than the life you can provide for yourself, pick up his cross and follow him.