Yesterday, I discussed the price we pay as Christians. There is a huge cost to discipleship, but there is an even bigger cost to non-discipleship. It is more expensive to take our eyes off the life we’re called to live. “The Cost of Discipleship” is a famous book written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor from Germany during the second world war, and I recommend you read it. In this wonderful book, we are challenged to consider the high toll and the high price of discipleship. Dietrich, also a professor and committed Christian, started an underground seminary and was outspoken against the Nazi regime. He spoke out against Hitler and stood up for the Jewish people who were being persecuted. Sometimes the cost of discipleship means martyrdom or death for those who believe in Christ. For Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyrdom was his fate. 

There is a cost of non-discipleship, and it’s not just for you. The cost is for everyone else. People in our society today pay a price for their idleness and indifference. Deception and breaking your promises have costs, especially when it comes to promises you make to yourself. And every time you make a promise to yourself and break it, you’re teaching yourself that you cannot rely on you. There is a big cost to that. 

Friend, discipleship comes with a price, and I say this out of love for you. You will receive the greatest gifts in life as you stay true to yourself and continue to fulfill what you say you will do. Keep committed to becoming all you can, rather than less. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can keep your commitments as a disciple of Jesus.