COUNT THE COST: THE TRUE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Luke 14:28
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
________________________________________
Introduction
The call to follow Jesus is a sacred summons into divine partnership with the King of Glory. However, it is not a path strewn with roses and ease. It is a road of commitment, sacrifice, and undivided loyalty. True discipleship is not a casual or cultural label; it is a covenant of surrender. It is the deliberate choice to forsake all and to embrace the mission of Christ above personal desire, ambition, or comfort. In this prophetic exhortation, we are reminded of the weight and beauty of that choice. We are called not just to begin the journey but to endure faithfully to the end. As Jesus carried His cross and endured the shame for our redemption, so must we count the cost and be willing to carry our crosses daily.
This article seeks to explore the deep truths surrounding the cost of true discipleship. It serves both as a prophetic alarm and a guiding light for those who desire to live as faithful followers of Christ in a world drowning in self-centered religion and compromise. The call to forsake all is not an optional instruction for elite believers—it is the very DNA of Kingdom life.
________________________________________
THE MANDATE TO FORSAKE ALL
Luke 14:33
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Jesus made it clear that discipleship requires total surrender. To forsake all is not merely symbolic; it is a heart posture that reflects total dependency on Christ. It means letting go of all self-made identities, reputations, possessions, and ambitions. God does not want half-hearted followers—He wants those whose hearts are undivided and whose allegiance to His Kingdom is absolute.
To forsake all is to place Jesus above family, above wealth, above titles, and above personal dreams. Anything less is not discipleship but deception.
________________________________________
THE DISCIPLINE OF COUNTING THE COST
Philippians 3:7-8
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."
True faith is not blind; it is calculated obedience. Paul, once a man of stature and honor in the Jewish world, came to a place where he deemed all his former gains as rubbish compared to Christ. He had counted the cost—and paid it joyfully.
God wants believers who understand what they are getting into. Discipleship will cost you friends. It will cost you comfort. It may cost you career opportunities, popularity, and even your life. But it will gain you eternal life, divine favor, and the reward of standing unashamed before God.
________________________________________
THE DANGER OF STARTING AND TURNING BACK
Hebrews 10:38-39
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
God does not delight in those who begin the journey only to retreat when it becomes inconvenient. Many start strong, but their faith falters when tested. Excuses, distractions, and worldly enticements choke the seed of righteousness.
Just as Jesus never turned back from the cross, we must not turn back from the calling. To look back is to become unfit for the Kingdom. To finish the race, you must endure to the end with unwavering faith.
________________________________________
THE TRAGIC PATH OF THE DROP-OUTS
2 Peter 2:20-21
"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."
Those who abandon their calling often become the fiercest critics of those who continue. Their guilt breeds bitterness, and their bitterness births slander. They malign the Church, the Spirit, and Christ Himself, all to justify their rebellion.
Yet, God in His mercy extends His hand of redemption. He sends messengers of Truth to call them back. But many refuse to repent, blinded by pride. For those who humble themselves and return, restoration is available. They will be welcomed back into God’s house as sons and daughters.
________________________________________
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS: THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame."
Jesus did not ask of us what He Himself did not first do. He endured the full weight of the cross and the rejection of mankind. He gave Himself without reservation, paying the highest price for our salvation.
When we reflect on His sacrifice, how can we complain about the minor discomforts we must bear for His name? He finished the course, and we are called to follow in His steps.
________________________________________
THE URGENCY OF THE HOUR: NO TIME FOR COMPROMISE
Romans 13:11
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
These are perilous times. Perversity, deception, and compromise fill the land. Many so-called Christians are engaged in self-serving “Christianity” that denies the Cross and promotes comfort.
Yet the true disciples—those who have counted the cost—are arising. They are fearless in proclaiming the Gospel. They are not ashamed of Jesus, nor do they seek the applause of men. They live with eternity in view.
________________________________________
Summary
Discipleship is not a mere title or church attendance. It is a life surrendered. To follow Christ means to forsake all, to count the cost, and to endure to the end. There is no shortcut to Kingdom life. Those who endure will receive the crown of life. Those who quit will face the weight of their own decisions. Let every believer be awakened to this truth and embrace the seriousness of following Jesus.
________________________________________
Conclusion
To reject the call to count the cost is to invite spiritual deception and confusion. Eternal life is too valuable to be exchanged for temporal pleasures. Jesus remains the priceless Treasure offered to humanity. Will you accept Him wholeheartedly, or will you walk away sorrowful like the rich young ruler?
________________________________________
Call to Action
Today, search your heart. Are you truly surrendered? Have you forsaken all? Are you willing to endure for the sake of Christ? If not, now is the time to recommit. Do not delay. The cost may be high, but the reward is eternal.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, be encouraged. God is faithful to strengthen all who say yes to His call. You are not alone. As you take up your cross daily, know that a great cloud of witnesses surrounds you. Heaven rejoices over every step you take in obedience. You are chosen, you are called, and you are empowered to overcome.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come to You today with a sincere heart. I believe You are the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. I repent of all my sins and ask You to cleanse me by Your blood. I forsake the world and its ways, and I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to follow You every day and to never turn back. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
