The Cost of Discipleship

January 18, 2026

Dr. Paul Cannings

I am fascinated by how physically fit Lebron James remains at his age. He plays eighty-two games in roughly six months. I can’t imagine the discipline required – his diet, exercise regimen, recovery, and mental preparation – especially after more than two decades in the league. For the love of the game and the desire to help his team win championships, his sacrifice have become increasingly intentional and refined over time. This illustrates a simple truth: whatever we are passionate about, we willingly make sacrifices to achieve.

In the same way, the disciples’ love for Christ compelled them enter a hostile world. They left everything behind (Matthew 19:27-30; Philippians 3:2-6), sometimes having no money at all (Acts 3:6), for the sake of spreading the gospel. Their commitment was rooted in obedience to Christ and a deep love for Him. Because of their sacrifice, we benefit today, often worshiping in comfortable and secure environments. Yet many church members today want the benefits of Christ without the cost of discipleship. Their lives are often built around being “be blessed in the city, blessed in the field, and blessed when they come and go.” But scriptures warn us clearly, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15-17; Mark 8:36; NASU)

So, the questions become: What does your love for Christ manifest in your life? Jesus says, “if you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). This means that when life pulls us in different emotional directions or places us at decision points, we first ask: What does God want me to do? Jesus also teaches, that love for Him is demonstrated through discipleship and love for others. (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-13). But how do we love those who do not like us? That kind of love is a greater blessing than loving those who love us, because it requires deeper obedience to God’s Word. As Jesus said, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matt. 5:46; NASU) True love for Christ also means we do not chase after the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17). This raises practical questions: What does your spending reflect? What does your giving to the church look like? Jesus reminds us, “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24).

When our love for Christ leads us to be His disciples (John 13:34-35), it produces a passion to be students of His Word, with a deep desire to obey Him – no matter the adjustments obedience requires.

So, what does our love for God look like when measured by our daily schedule, our budget, and our service to Him? How consistent is it? When difficult times come, does our love for God deepen, or do we become bewildered and less faithful? Jesus gives us this assurance and challenge: “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” (John 14:21; NASU)