The Cost of Discipleship

Ken Malone

It’s easy to be a believer, but being a believer who is a disciple of Christ is another level of consecration. Jesus laid it out very clearly and told His disciples about the cost.

“When you follow me as my disciple, you must put aside your father, your mother, your wife, your sisters, your brothers—yes, you will even seem as though you hate your own life. This is the price you’ll pay to be considered one of my followers. 27 And anyone who comes to me must be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he cannot be considered to be my disciple. 28 So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you. For who would construct a house before first sitting down to estimate the cost to complete it? 29 Otherwise he may lay the foundation and not be able to finish. The neighbors will ridicule him, saying, 30 ‘Look at him! He started to build but couldn’t complete it!’ 31 “Have you ever heard of a commander who goes out to war without first sitting down with strategic planning to determine the strength of his army to win the war against a stronger opponent? Luke 14:26-31 TPT

For a disciple of Jesus Christ, the cost is greater, the consecration is above normal and the dedication to finish cannot be measured. Disciples are the forerunners—the history-makers in the land. They do not require title, finances, notoriety or fame.  Disciples are not consumed by their own emotions, do not demand their own way or have to be the quarterback of the game. However, they do want to be in the game as a servant. They’ll even be the water boy with gladness, if that is what’s required. A complete devotion to being in the image of Christ and completing the assignment of the Lord is their focus.


Part of being a disciple is servanthood. Many have decided if they can’t be the star of the show they won’t even get in the game. Talk to them about serving, ushering, door-greeter, janitor and the like, they will tell you how anointed they are. Several years ago, I asked someone about going to Key West with me to serve and minister. Their words to me was, “I’m too anointed for Key West.” Well, Bye! I don’t have time for anyone, regardless of how anointed they are, who makes the gospel of the Kingdom about them and refuse to serve.  It doesn’t matter how well known you become, how many books you write or albums you cut—you’re called to always be a servant disciple of the Lord.


Still others today can serve the Lord only if it’s convenient. Does serving fit into my schedule? No! Does it float my boat? No! Can I do this part time? No! Have you ever looked on the other side of inconvenience? There is something there most have never seen. On the other side of inconvenience is a glory realm, not tapped into by many, because they live a convenient life.


When it’s time to sweat, when it’s time to work, when it’s time to change a tire for someone, when it’s time to take someone to the doctor or when it’s time to lay down your life, will you step up and be a disciple or just be a believer? America needs disciples.


You don’t have to be perfect to be a disciple of Christ. You do have to lay down your life, take up His cross and follow Him. Have you counted the cost?