The Cost of Following Jesus
“What No One Likes to Talk About”
When we talk about faith online, it’s often framed like this:
Jesus will bring peace.
Jesus will bring joy.
Jesus will bring purpose.
Jesus will bless your life.
And all of that is true. But it’s not the whole truth. Because Jesus Himself also said:
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.”
— Luke 9:23
Following Jesus is beautiful. It is also costly. And pretending otherwise sets people up for confusion, disappointment, and shallow faith. Let’s talk honestly about what it really costs to walk with Christ.
Salvation Is Free. Discipleship Is Not Cheap.
Grace is a gift. You cannot earn it. You cannot deserve it. You cannot work for it. Jesus paid for salvation in full. But living as His disciple requires surrender.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24:
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”
A cross was not a metaphor for inconvenience. It was a symbol of death.
Jesus was saying: You don’t just add Me to your life. You give Me your life.
1. It May Cost You Relationships
One of the hardest realities of following Jesus is that not everyone will understand your transformation. Jesus warned in Matthew 10:34–36 that faith could divide households.
Sometimes that looks like:
Friends who drift away
Family who thinks you’ve “changed”
People who feel uncomfortable with your values
Relationships that no longer fit your convictions
Not because you’re judging them. Because your priorities shifted. And that can feel lonely. But Jesus promised: Whoever loses for His sake will gain more in eternity.
2. It Will Cost You Comfort
Following Jesus means choosing obedience over ease.
You will sometimes have to:
Forgive when it hurts
Serve when you’re tired
Stay pure when it’s unpopular
Speak truth when it’s awkward
Say no when it’s tempting
Comfort says:
“Do what feels good.”
Christ says:
“Do what is right.”
And they don’t always agree. See Romans 12:1–2.
3. It Will Cost You Control
One of the biggest sacrifices in discipleship is surrendering control. You stop being the final authority in your life.
Your plans. Your timelines. Your dreams. Your desires. They go through God now.
Proverbs reminds us in Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
That means letting go of outcomes. Trusting God even when you don’t understand. That’s costly.
4. It Will Cost You Popularity
Jesus was not popular with everyone. And He told us we wouldn’t be either.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.”
— John 15:18
Living by biblical standards in a culture that celebrates self above all else will make you stand out. Sometimes in uncomfortable ways.
You may be labeled:
Judgmental
Old-fashioned
Extreme
Intolerant
Even when you’re acting in love. But approval from God matters more than applause from people.
5. It Will Cost You Old Habits
Following Jesus means dying to your former self. Paul writes in Galatians 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ…”
That means:
Some patterns have to go.
Some environments have to change.
Some influences have to be released.
Not because God wants to restrict you. Because He wants to free you.
6. It Will Cost You Your Pride
Jesus constantly confronted pride. Pharisees had knowledge, but no humility.
Following Christ means:
Admitting when you’re wrong
Asking for forgiveness
Receiving correction
Depending on grace
See James 4:6. Pride resists God. Humility receives Him.
7. It Will Cost You Emotional Comfort
There will be seasons when obedience feels heavy. When prayers seem unanswered. When God feels quiet. When faith feels lonely.
David writes in Psalms 13 about this struggle. Following Jesus doesn’t exempt you from sorrow. It teaches you how to endure it with hope.
Why Jesus Is Worth the Cost
After all this, you might ask: Why would anyone choose this? Because of what you gain.
Peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Purpose that outlasts success. Identity that isn’t fragile. Hope that doesn’t expire. Eternal life that never ends.
Jesus said in Matthew 13:44: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure.
When you find it, everything else becomes secondary. Not because it’s worthless. Because Jesus is worth more.
The Rich Young Ruler: A Warning Story
Mark 10:17–22
A man wanted eternal life. He followed the rules. He respected God. He lived morally. But when Jesus asked him to surrender what he loved most…
He walked away. Not because Jesus was cruel. Because the man wasn’t ready to pay the cost. We all have “one thing” God asks us to release.
What is yours?
A Gentle Heart Check
Ask yourself honestly:
Am I following Jesus only when it’s easy?
Do I obey even when it costs me?
Is there something I’m holding back?
Do I prioritize comfort over calling?
These aren’t questions for guilt. They’re invitations to deeper faith.
Final Encouragement
Yes, following Jesus costs something. But not following Him costs everything. Jesus doesn’t call perfect people. He calls willing ones. And every sacrifice made for Him is temporary.
Every reward with Him is eternal. Choose wisely. Choose daily. Choose Him.
Want Help Staying Rooted in Real Faith?
If you’re committed to living out your faith, not just talking about it, my guided journals and devotionals are designed to help you stay grounded in Scripture and surrender.
