The Cost of Discipleship By Joel Killion E-mail, joel@cherubimnetwork.com Website, cherubimnetwork.com/innerlife
	What is the “cost” of being a true disciple in the Kingdom of God? Is it cheap? Is it easy? “That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods.” (Thomas Paine) How do we define the “dearness” of the life of a disciple beyond the initial “new birth” experience? Or do we not know that there is much, much “more” to the Christian life than being merely “born again” or “Spirit-filled”? All of us – individually – think that we are further than we are. Let’s just be honest; the Lord knows the truth; He knows our hearts. We think more highly of ourselves than we should. We think that where we are, in Christ, is worthy of great praise and adoration, but we do not know how very far from Him we actually are. Like children, we think we’re grown when, in fact, we are still in diapers. The life of the true disciple is not for those who exalt themselves beyond measure; it is for those who know their true condition and are willing to become the least of all so that they can become like Christ. What did Jesus say regarding the paradigm, protocol and lifestyle of a true follower? How did He define the cost of being an authentic believer? It’s time for us to re-evaluate the call and cost of those who are invited to “follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” It’s time for us to re-examine the price-tag attached to knowing the Lord, first-hand, for ourselves. Obviously, there is an enormous difference between our idea of Christianity and Heaven’s.  As Jesus said, “…That which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” (Lk 16:15). The opposite is also true: That is which highly esteemed in the sight of God is detestable in the sight of men. Are we willing to admit that what we think or believe may actually contradict the ideals of Heaven. Those who truly love the Lord will actually love what He loves and hate what He hates because they will see as He sees, from His perspective…not their own.   Needless to say, there is a place of absolute surrender to Christ’s will that has yet to be seen. The reality of the Cross of Christ - while it remains ignored by many - is being restored by the Lord. The cost of discipleship is being revisited. The devaluing of Christ’s currency is coming to an end as those who love Him, more than life, yield more and more to His highest and best. Are we willing to reassess every square inch of what we think it means to “follow” the Lord? Are we willing to measure our conception of Christianity against His? Do we have the courage? Do we have the guts? THE NARROW WAY The course of the disciple is straight and narrow, contracted by severe and deadly pressure, far beyond human comprehension; in fact, it is straighter and narrower than we’ve been told. Even the gate, leading to the path, is straight and narrow (Matt. 7:13-14). But no one can walk on the narrow path until they have first entered through the narrow gate. And no one can “enter” the Kingdom until they have first walked the full length of the narrow path. Many “believers” are guilty of changing the narrow gate and the narrow path into the broad gate and the broad path by changing the way of the Cross into something that is convenient, common, courteous and friendly. But the way of Christ – the way of Life – is anything but easy and is in direct opposition to every concept that promote “easy-believism” or “greasy-grace.” Concerning this “narrow way,” Madam Guyon once wrote, “How very narrow is the gate that leads to a life in God! How little one must be to pass through it, it being nothing else but death to self! But when we have passed through it, what enlargement do we find! David said, ‘He brought me forth also into a large place’ (Ps. 18:19). And it was through humiliation and abasement that he was brought there.” This is the way of the true disciple. But few will find it and even fewer will walk it as it is overcrowded with many obstacles. Only those who see as Christ sees will be able to recognize and embrace the value and beauty of His “way” over their own. Of course, there are many other “ways,” besides the Lord’s, that seem good, righteous and wise to us, but those “ways” lead to death (Prov. 16:25). The narrow way is the only way of Life that leads to Life. Every other way – especially “OUR WAY” – leads to a dead end. To walk the narrow course is the way of a real disciple. This is what separates the men from the boys. This is where the rubber meets the road. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He called many to follow Him, into His way of life. He made it very clear that if we desire to follow Him, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of the life of His Kingdom we must… Enter through Him (Jn. 10:7, 9). There is no other way – no other door – to the Kingdom of Christ (Jn. 14:6). Those who wish to enter by any other means are nothing more or less than thieves and robbers (Jn. 10:1). Some may say, “This is too tight. Who ever heard of such a thing? This is too narrow. My preacher never told me about this. This can’t be right. This is too strict.” But, again, this is the way of Life that leads to abundant Life. This is the straight and narrow path. There is no other way except through Christ. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Refuse every aspect of the “self-life” that keeps them from wholly following the Lord wherever He goes. As Jesus said, “…If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests]…Whoever is bent on saving his…life…shall lose it…and whoever loses his life…for My sake shall find it…if anyone comes to Me and does not hate…his own life…cannot be My disciple” (Matt. 16:24-25; Lk. 14:26, Amp). Notice, the call of discipleship is going out to many (“anyone”), but the cost of discipleship is an offense to all but a few who are willing to meet the conditions of discipleship. If they do not meet His criterion, they cannot be His disciple. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a radical, Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Take up their Cross and follow Him all the way to the end of the Via Delarosa, all the way to their last dying breath for death is the way to Life in the Kingdom of God (Matt. 10:22). As Jesus said, “Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Lk. 14:27, Amp). There is no “half-way” in the Christian life. “Fence-riding” simply will not do. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Become the least of all and must reject, on a daily basis, every opportunity to be the first or the greatest (Matt. 19:30; Lk. 13:30). At every turn, every day, we must seek the lowest seat, the lowest place of all. We must not think of ourselves more highly than we should. As Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant…He who is least and lowliest among you all – he is the one who is truly great…he that is inferior [to the other citizens] in the kingdom of God is greater [in incomparable privilege] than he…he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11; Lk. 7:28; 9:48; 14:11, Amp). So you see, our job is to humble ourselves; that is our part. The Lord’s part is to exalt those who have humbled themselves. But please understand, if we try to do His part, by exalting ourselves, He will have to do our part. If we refuse to fall on the Rock in order to be broken against Him, He will have to fall on us and grind us to powder (Matt. 21:44). So “choose your poison.” Of course, this is not a popular truth in the world, or the religious church for that matter, but it is highly esteemed in the sight of our Father. And those who really love Him are learning to love what He loves. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a radical, Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Be willing to be hated, persecuted and rejected by all men - even their own families or dearest friends; even whole cities or cities - for His sake (Matt. 19:29-30; Mk. 12:30). They must be willing to be called every malicious slur given to Jesus; and they must, like Jesus, endure this kind of exploitation with joy in their hearts (see Matt. 10:21-25; Heb. 12:2). As Jesus said, “Blessed and happy and  enviably fortunate and  spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous - with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense)” (Matt. 5:10-12, Amp). In Luke 6:22-23, Jesus said, “Blessed (happy - with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition - and to be envied) are you when people despise (hate) you, and when they exclude and excommunicate you [as disreputable] and revile and denounce you and defame and cast out and spurn your name as evil (wicked) on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and be glad at such a time and exult and leap for joy…” (Amp) On the flip-side, Jesus also said, “Woe to…you when everyone speaks fairly and handsomely of you and praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets” (Lk. 6:26, Amp). Those who live the Gospel, as it really is, according to Heaven, are hated and maligned because what they bear, within their hearts, stands in direct opposition to all that fallen man loves so dearly. Therefore, like Jesus, in the days of His flesh, they are despised, denounced, even socially crucified, especially by the religious leaders of their day. So, being a follower of the Lord is not all “fun and games.” Being hated is as much a part of being a disciple as any other single ingredient; it may actually be one of the main by-products of following the Lord. The last abovementioned verse is especially riveting since Jesus, Himself, states, “What sorrows await you who are praised by the crowds…” This is incredible! Jesus actually penalizes human popularity. And then, in the next part of this same verse, He further exposes those who love the praises of men by stating that human popularity was commonly given to the false prophets. So the moral of this verse is clear: If you are a true follower of Christ, you will not be praise but you will be praise and adored if you are false. I suppose this means Jesus is not for political-correctness or the ever common principles of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Selah (pause and think about this). Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Be willing to follow the Lord wherever He goes even when He “has nowhere to lay His head” (Matt 8: 20; Lk. 9:57-58). As it relates to our lives - Are we willing to have no where to lay our head? Are we willing to be an out- cast, cast out forever for His name sake? Those who truly following the Lord, will never fit in anywhere, except in Christ; they will always be “square pegs” surrounded by “round holes.” Are we willing to live our lives in such a way that we cannot find “rest” apart from the heart of Christ? If Jesus had nowhere to lay His head, we too will have nowhere to lay our head, if we truly follow Him wherever He goes. If He had no true “home,” except in His Father, neither will we. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their mind and with all their strength (Matt. 22: 37; Lk. 10:27). This is the FIRST and GREATEST commandment of all (Matt. 22:38). He must be our singular focus, our magnificent obsession. It’s one thing to know this; it’s quite another to live it. Those who are truly courageous will live it with every cell of their being. They will defy all forms of mediocrity - religious and non-religious alike - by keeping the first commandment in first place. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Love Him before, above and beyond ALL THINGS – this includes real estate, land, personal property, etc. (see Lk. 14:16-19). They must be willing to forsake ALL they have, for Jesus said, “Any of you who does not forsake (renounce, surrender claim to, give up, say good-bye to) all that he has CANNOT be My disciple (Lk. 14:33, Amp). Again, it is one thing to know this; it’s quite another to live it. Anyone can say they love the Lord more than “things” but when the rubber meets the road, who can deliver such devotion? Those who truly love the Lord are more than willing to be renounce “all they have” for the sake of following Him more purely and singularly; to them, their Friend, their Lord, is worthy of such chaste love; to them, there are no excuses (Lk. 14:16-23). Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Love Him before, above and beyond ALL MEN – this includes their wives, their husbands, their children, their families, their friends and every other person on the face of the earth (Matt. 8:21-22; Lk. 9:59-62; 14:20). Jesus made Himself very clear: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters…he CANNOT be My disciple” (Lk. 14:26, Amp). Notice, Jesus used the word, “cannot;” thus, this is non-negotiable. Jesus Himself lived this quality of devotion, for He said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers…whoever does the will of My Father in heaven IS My brother and sister and mother!” (Matt. 12:48-50). The greatest living example of this manner of love for the Lord is found in the life of Abraham who loved his Lord so much that he was willing to obey Him in killing his own son, Isaac (Gen. 22:1-12). Obviously, Abraham loved the Lord, first and foremost. His “attachment” to his Lord was so firm, so deep, so complete, that nothing would take His place. If we consider that even one thing or person is more important than answering His call, we will not taste the supper of His promise (see Lk. 14:16). He must be number one! Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Put their hands to the plow without looking back (Matt. 9:62). They must keep their eyes “set” continually on the Lord and His will (Ps. 16:8). He must be their sole vision, their singular focus. There can be no double-mindedness by looking forward and looking back. Remember Lot’s wife (Lk. 17:32-33). Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Become like Him so that they can actually be like Him. As Jesus said, “If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him…conform wholly to My example…It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant…like his master” (Matt. 16:24; 10:25, Amp). Christlikeness, otherwise known as godliness or godlikeness, is the principal fruit of genuine intimacy with the Lord. If this is not being continually developed within our lives, so that it is increasingly experienced by others through our words and actions, we need to check our foundation in the Lord. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Know Him – personally, purely and passionately – as a friend (Matt. 25:12). As Jesus made very clear, there are many who will try to enter the door of the Kingdom but will be left in outer darkness because He does not know them as friend. This may not be a popular thought for many but it is the truth nevertheless. The Lord will strive with the hearts of men for only so long and then He will shut the door (Matt. 25:10; Lk. 13:24-28). Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Obey Him out of pure and holy love.  As Jesus asks in one passage, “Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not [practice] what I tell you?” This is an excellent question. What servant would give mere lip- service to their master’s lordship over their lives and yet say not heed the commands of their Lord? What employee would define the directions of their Boss? Would this not be grounds for dismissal? If we wish to build our lives on “the Rock,” we would do well to hear and heed Him – if nothing else, this is just good wisdom for every area of life (Matt. 7: 24-27; Lk. 6:46-49). Those who follow the Lord’ s counsel will experience favor and blessing in every area of life. But obedience is also a prerequisite for friendship as Jesus made so very clear, when He said, “You are my friends, IF you do whatever I command you” (Jn. 15:14). And again, in Matthew 7:21 (Amp), He says, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven” – this shows that obedience is a prerequisite to being a true servant (minister) of the Lord. In the end, when it’s all said and done, many will try to convince the Lord of their worthiness to enter His Kingdom, but His answer will be straightforward:  “…Depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]” (Matt. 7:22-23). This is incredible. The Lord equates disobedience with wickedness. Selah (pause and think about this). Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… “Accept and receive and welcome the Kingdom of God like a little child does.” True discipleship involves child-likeness which should not to be confused with child-ishness, but is the essence of Christlikeness. Children love purely, forgive easily and have no concept of death. As “little” ones, they are fully dependant on their parents for all their needs and wants. This is why Jesus would often set a child in the middle of a large group of people and say, “To such as these belongs the Kingdom of God” (Lk. 18:16-17, Amp). In the eyes of the world, dependence is viewed as a social weakness. But the perception of Heaven is quite different. Those who are deeply dependent on the Lord - like a nursing babe in the arms of its mother - are considered greater and stronger than the most powerful human army. Everyone who desires to follow the Lord, as a Cross-carrying disciple, into the depths of His Kingdom must… Love their neighbors as they love themselves (Our neighbors can be defined as those we are with at any given moment on any given day). Jesus said, “…You should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, IF you love one another [IF you keep on showing love among yourselves]” (Jn. 13:34-35, Amp). Obviously, Jesus is very serious about “discipleship.” As you can see, from what we have read above, Jesus’ brand of “Christianity” is nothing like ours. His idea of commitment is far greater than anything this world can comprehend (See Lk. 18:18-27). And yet He continues to uphold a lofty standard of living-out-loud. He raises the bar incessantly, far beyond what is being heard or lived today. To Jesus, it isn’t enough to be merely “born again” or “Spirit-filled.” He wants His disciples, those who are following Him, to press-on into a place where they will ultimately become just like Him, in thought, word and deed, on this side of Heaven on Earth, “now in this time,” “in this world” (Jn 12:14; 20:21; 1 Jn. 4:17; Mk 10:29-30; Lk. 18:29-30). “The Lord desires a people who will be conformed to the image of His Son, that they may demonstrate the preeminence of Christ in all things.” (Chip Brogden) But first, we must calculate the cost so that we can pay the price, wisely (Lk. 14:28-32). Some would say – in the light of these words – “Oh, come on, it doesn’t take all this!” And yet. we are, nevertheless, left with the many, weighty words of Christ Himself. Selah. STRIVE TO ENTER In Matthew 11:12 (Amp), Jesus says… “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].” It is the Father’s “good pleasure” to give us the Kingdom (Lk. 12:32). But it is not automatically conferred on those who are merely “born again” and “Spirit-filled” even though these are fundamental necessities. Rather, it is given to those who have pursued it with the “most ardent zeal and intense exertion” (See Acts 14:22). Jesus was very clear about how we ought to pursue His Kingdom. He said, “Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able” (Lk. 13:24, Amp). And then, a little while later, Jesus said, “Only aim at and strive for and seek His (My Father’s) kingdom” (Lk. 13:24, 31, Amp). And let us not forget the sobering message of Hebrews 4:9 & 11 (Amp): “…There is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the [true] people of God…Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell].” Needless to say, the path to the “rest” of the Kingdom, beyond the initial “new birth” experience, is not for the faint of heart. The Way of Life is not for the masses. There are no shortcuts to Christ. “The way to Life - to God! - is vigorous and requires total attention” (Matt. 7:14, Message). The way of the true disciple requires violent devotion. That is why Jesus said, “…FEW are those who find it.” But notice, He didn’t say, “FEW are those who enter in.” He said “few are those who FIND it.” We must “strive to enter by the narrow door” (Lk. 13:24). We must force ourselves through it, for many have “tried” and will continue to “try” to enter but they will “not be able.” “In a race all the runners compete” but not everyone wins; “[only] one receives the prize?” Remember, this is about a personal relationship and partnership between us and the Lord (Note: Until this “personal” reality is lived out on a “personal” level, there will be no “corporate” anointing.). He wants us to be as passionate for Him as He is for us. And so, those who wish to “receive the prize,” to know Him even as they are known by Him, must run in such a way that they will lay hold of the prize and make it their own. But the stakes are high! “Every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in ALL things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.” So do not “run uncertainly (without definite aim)…do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.” Be like a boxer. Buffet your body – buffet your whole life – “handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships and subdue it” (See 1 Cor. 9:24-27; see also Lk. 13:25-28). And do not worry. Do not moan and groan. Do not complain. Guard your thoughts. Watch your tongue. The Lord will help you. Just present your life as a living sacrifice and He will “cause” you to walk in His paths (Ezek. 20:37; 36:27). Selah. E-mail, joel@cherubimnetwork.com Website, www.cherubimnetwork.com/innerlife