“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)
Following Jesus is easy when it costs us nothing. It’s easy when the blessings flow, when the path is smooth, when faith fits neatly into our routines. But what happens when following Christ demands something more?
Jesus never sugarcoated the cost of discipleship. He didn’t say, “Follow Me, and your life will be comfortable.” He said, “Take up your cross.” He didn’t promise safety—He promised suffering. And yet, He also promised that losing our lives for His sake is the only way to truly find life.
Modern Christianity struggles with this truth. We’ve been conditioned to think faith should be convenient, that God’s primary concern is our comfort. But the reality of discipleship is surrender. It’s laying down our desires, our plans, and even our reputations for the sake of Christ. It’s like the modem church thinks of submission as a dirty word, but James is very clear when he tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God…” (James 4:7 NKJV)
The question is: What are we still holding onto? Is it control? The approval of others? A dream we’re unwilling to release? If Jesus asked us to walk away from everything, would we?
The world tells us to live for ourselves, to chase after success, to prioritize ease over endurance. But Jesus tells us to live for Him. To stand firm, even when it costs us. To be bold, even when it makes us unpopular. To trust Him, even when surrender feels like loss.
But here’s the promise—surrender is never truly loss. Because when we give up everything for Christ, we gain something far greater: eternal life, unshakable joy, and a purpose that outlasts this world.
Think about the following questions and consider whether you’re more committed to comfort or to Christ. You just might be surprised.
What is one thing you’ve been hesitant to surrender to Christ?
Are you following Jesus only when it’s easy, or even when it costs you?
How can you take a bold step of faith today, trusting that Jesus is worth it?
Lord, I don’t want a faith of convenience. I want a faith of commitment. Give me the courage to surrender everything for You, knowing that true life is found in following You. Strengthen me to stand firm, even when it costs me, because You are worth it all. Amen.
