The Cost of Discipleship

Laura Digan June 25, 2022 0 4

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Luke 9: 21-27 (NRSVA)

21 He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22 saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

23 Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25 What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’

I am trying to follow a vegan diet. I am also trying to live sustainably in a way that cares for the environment. I was telling my son the other week that with the cost of living crisis squeezing all our finances, it is going to be difficult to fully live according to my values and principles. I’ve realised that vegan products and environmentally friendly products cost more, sometimes significantly more. If this cost of living crisis continues and I want to live by my principles it might mean that I have to go without some things in order to do that. 

At least I’ll have had practice because there is a cost to following Jesus. To follow Jesus we have to deny our own selfish desires on how we use our time and our money. And if the cost of living crisis deepens we must be on guard that our Christian values and our desire to follow Jesus isn’t compromised. That even when money seems to be lacking and our spirits weary, that we continue to follow Jesus’ example to love our neighbour, reaching out to help those in poverty and experiencing injustice at home and abroad. 

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, 

Teach us to be grateful for all that we have in life,

Teach us to be good stewards of all that we are blessed with.

Help us to share the resources that we have with one another.

Help us to continue to follow your example, especially in the times of trial. 

Amen