Can you remember those individuals who inspired you? From your youth? Adolescence and even adulthood? I must say that I have several people I can reflect upon, and although some of those individuals are now with God, their deeds, actions, and inspiration still inspire me.
Yet, despite their greatness and inspiration here on earth, no one can compare to the inspiration of Jesus, knowing that these people who inspired me were inspired by Jesus too. It was God’s direct reflection He made upon mankind for each of us today to reflect upon and even use as an example. Matthew Let your light shine before men. 1 Timothy be an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Titus in all things shewing ourselves a pattern of good works and living life as a good and Godly servant.
I once read a powerful quote in an article that said: 'We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money, we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline has practically disappeared.' The author then asks, what would a violin or even a guitar sound like if the strings weren't stretched tight, disciplined into tune? This image matters deeply. It's one thing to be inspired by Jesus, but it's a whole different realm to be disciplined. Discipline and discipleship are connected words that Jesus was well acquainted with. Being a disciple is not about excitement or admiration, but about radical reordering of life’s priorities, with the disciple to grow in the likeness of the master. And this is where some Christians and non-Christians alike fail to realize the cost to follow Christ—the cost of discipleship. To be a disciple of Christ, to follow Jesus, is no casual endeavor. He is not looking for fans, but followers — people willing to risk everything.
Jim Elliot was a young American missionary who, along with four others, risked his life to share the gospel with the Huaorani people of Ecuador, a tribe known for their hostility to outsiders. In 1956, after making initial contact, all five missionaries were killed by members of the tribe. Before his death, Jim wrote, 'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose,' showing his deep commitment to Christ. Despite the tragedy, the story took a redemptive turn; years later, Jim’s wife Elisabeth and others returned to live among the Huaorani. Through love and forgiveness, many in the tribe, including some of the killers, became Christians. Jim Elliot’s life and sacrifice demonstrate the true cost of discipleship and how God uses such faithfulness to transform lives.
In our Gospel reading of Luke, we read where crowds of people were following Jesus. People of different nationalities, social classes, and ideas had heard of Him and wanted to be part of something divine. But Jesus responds to their interest in a surprising way. He says: 'If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, even his own life — he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.'
At first glance, these words are shocking — even unsettling. But let’s understand what Jesus meant. The word translated ‘hate’ here comes from the Greek word miseo. It does not imply emotional hostility or loathing. Instead, it means choosing to place God above even our closest relationships and personal desires. Jesus is not telling us to sever our love for others but is calling us to deep loyalty — one that puts our love for God first, even when it causes tension with those we love, or costs us everything. And then, if that wasn’t enough, Jesus tells us to carry our cross while following Him. In Jesus' time, the cross was not a decorative symbol — it was an instrument of suffering and death. To carry your cross meant being willing to lay down your rights, your comfort, and even your life out of love and obedience to Christ.
To better understand this, we need to reflect on two important words: discipline and discipleship.
So what do they mean? Discipline is the practice of training yourself to obey God, to grow in character, and to pursue spiritual maturity. It involves consistent effort, instruction, self-control, and perseverance. All of this cannot be done alone. It requires God’s strength, love, and presence in our lives.
Discipleship, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of following Jesus — learning from Him, imitating Him, and living in obedience to His will. Its more than belief; it requires daily choices to grow, surrender, and stay faithful. NOTE: Without discipline, discipleship cannot thrive.
It’s easy to say we love God. But to truly follow Him — to be shaped by Him, to say ‘yes’ to Him even when it leads through hardship — is no small thing. As Hebrews 12 reminds us: 'For whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.’
I ask you today to ponder this question: Since discipline and discipleship are intertwined, and there is a cost, why follow Christ? Of all the scripture I found, one stands to answer this question. Gospel of Luke 9: 23-24. If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. Scriptures teach that following Christ requires self-denial, sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross daily, meaning to lay down their own desires and endure hardship for His sake. Though it may involve loss in this life, the reward is far greater—eternal life, the joy of knowing Christ, and the glory that will be revealed. The apostle Paul reminds us that all worldly gains are nothing compared to Christ. Even when persecution comes, it is part of living a godly life in Him. The cost is real, but the reward is eternal. Did you get that?
To say yes to Him is to say yes to a God who loves us without condition, who forgives every sin, who provides for our deepest needs, and who gave His own Son for our salvation. The gift of salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you everything.
So, how will you respond to this God? What will you do with His invitation?
G. K. Chesterton once quoted on courage, ‘Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.’ In the same way, discipline seems like a restriction, but it is actually the path to freedom. Following Jesus requires the courage to surrender — to find life by laying down our own. ‘Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’
The disciplined disciple doesn’t cling to comfort or convenience. They step forward into a difficult journey, trusting that God works through that struggle to shape them for glory. Discipline is not about punishment — it is about purpose.
I want to leave you with this truth: We are not called to walk this path alone. Nowhere in Scripture does God ask us to serve Him and obey Him on our own devices. He gives us the grace to be disciplined, the Spirit to guide us, and the Church to walk with us. Yes, the cost of discipleship is high. It cuts deep. But the reward? It is life everlasting, joy unspeakable, and the peace of being shaped in the image of Christ, so much more.
Here are a few spiritual and practical steps to grow as a disciple: Prioritize Your Relationship with Jesus. Place Him above all relationships, ambitions, and desires. Embrace Daily Surrender. Die to self daily and align your will with His. Commit to Spiritual Discipline: Make prayer, Scripture, fasting, and personal accountability a regular habit. Accept Suffering and Rejection. Stand firm when hardship or persecution comes for His name. Live with Eternal Perspective. Hold loosely to worldly achievements and focus on the eternal. Invest in Others. Help others grow in Christ as part of your discipleship journey. Obey Even in Difficulty. Trust and follow His commands, even when they are inconvenient or difficult. Stay in Community. Walk with fellow believers; this journey was never meant to be a solo one. Discipleship is not seasonal or part-time; it’s the complete surrender of your life. Though the price is steep, the reward is infinite—peace, purpose, and the eternal joy of knowing Christ. Will you say yes? REPEAT The cost is great, the reward is greater. We lose our life to find true life. We don’t walk alone. Jesus first, everything else second. Amen.