Cost of Discipleship (Part 2)

Mar 20, 2025

Don’t just sweep this under the rug

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And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
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Sometimes Jesus flips reality right on its face.

Like in this verse, telling us that those who would save their lives will lose it, but if they lose their lives for Him — i.e., become a dead person walking — they actually save their life.

How?

Because of the eternal perspective on life.

It’s easy for me to focus only on the here and now. The afterlife is unknown and so, not only does it take a degree of faith to believe that Christ will bring me into His eternal kingdom, but I also find myself in a “swept rug” situation:

Out of sight, out of mind.

Which is part of the reason why a daily relationship with Jesus is so important. It keeps the eternal things on my mind, even if they are out of sight.

To tell you the truth, I’d rather sleep in every day than to wake up and begin by spending time reading the Bible and praying. That is until I actually dig into my quiet time with Jesus.

Time alone with God is always worth it.

My flesh — and the Enemy — may try to keep me from starting, but I am always glad when I’m finished.

I don’t regret my time reading the Word, praying, and memorizing Scripture.

Even if I have to keep reminding myself that it will be worth it.

I bet it’s worth it for you too.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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