Counting the Cost of True Discipleship

Counting the Cost of True Discipleship: The Perils of Watered-Down Christianity

Discipleship, in its most authentic and radical sense, calls for a deep commitment to following Jesus Christ, reflecting His teachings, and living a life that mirrors His love, sacrifice, and obedience to God. The cost of true discipleship, however, can be steep, as it demands more than mere lip service or superficial belief. It requires a surrender of one's life, desires, and will to God, seeking His kingdom above all else. Yet, in modern Christianity, a diluted or "watered-down" version of discipleship has emerged, one that often fails to challenge or convict the believer, providing an easier, more comfortable path that deviates from the true cost of following Jesus.

The Biblical Call to Discipleship

Jesus’ call to discipleship is not one to be taken lightly. In the Gospels, He gives clear and direct instructions on the sacrifices and commitments that true disciples must make:

• Denial of Self: In Mark 8:34, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” The act of denying oneself means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and even comforts in pursuit of God’s will.

• Taking up the Cross: Jesus uses the metaphor of the cross to illustrate the suffering and sacrifice involved in following Him. The cross, which was a symbol of shame and death in Jesus' time, represents the total surrender of one’s life—dying to self for the sake of Christ (Luke 14:27).

• Loyalty Over Family and Possessions: True discipleship demands that one's commitment to Christ supersedes all other relationships and possessions. In Luke 14:26, Jesus states, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." The term "hate" here is understood as “love less than,” meaning Christ must be placed above all else, including the closest of familial ties.

• Obedience to Christ’s Commands: Jesus also calls His followers to live in obedience to His teachings (John 14:15). This means walking in holiness, loving others sacrificially, and obeying God’s word, regardless of how difficult or countercultural that might be.

These scriptural teachings make it clear that the cost of true discipleship is high. It requires a radical shift in priorities, values, and allegiances. Yet, it is in embracing this cost that believers find the true joy and fulfillment that Christ promises.

The Watered-Down Christianity

In stark contrast to the demanding call of true discipleship is the concept of "watered-down Christianity." This version of faith, which is more prevalent in modern evangelicalism and the prosperity gospel, tends to emphasize comfort, success, and self-fulfillment rather than sacrificial living and self-denial.

1. Comfort Over Sacrifice: Watered-down Christianity often focuses on making life easier and more comfortable for the believer. Preachers may promise a life of prosperity, health, and success if one simply believes and follows Christ, without fully addressing the personal sacrifice, persecution, and cost of following Him. The central message becomes one of what God can do for you, rather than what you are called to do for God.

2. Consumer-Oriented Faith: Many churches today are geared toward attracting consumers rather than cultivating committed disciples. Services are designed to be entertaining, with an emphasis on convenience and comfort. Sermons may focus more on motivational speaking than on biblical teaching, and church events are often centered around entertainment, rather than discipleship and service.

3. Cultural Conformity: Watered-down Christianity often aligns itself with societal norms and avoids confrontation. Many modern churches avoid speaking out against sin or engaging in topics such as holiness, repentance, and judgment. Instead, there is a focus on inclusivity, tolerance, and embracing cultural trends that may not align with biblical principles.

4. Lack of Accountability: In a diluted faith system, there is often little emphasis on personal accountability. Many believers are not challenged to grow spiritually or live out the radical demands of discipleship. The desire to "fit in" and be liked in society means that difficult teachings are often glossed over or ignored.

The Dangers of Watered-Down Christianity

While watered-down Christianity may seem appealing to many, it ultimately leads to a shallow, ineffective faith that does not transform lives or impact the world in the way Jesus intended. Some of the dangers include:

1. Superficial Faith: Watered-down Christianity fosters a faith that is more about outward appearances than inward transformation. Believers may attend church, read the Bible occasionally, and say the right things, but their lives often reflect little change. This superficial faith does not produce lasting fruit or genuine spiritual growth.

2. False Sense of Security: When the cost of discipleship is minimized, believers may develop a false sense of security, believing they are saved and walking with God when they have never truly surrendered their lives to Christ. This misunderstanding can have eternal consequences, as salvation is not based on mere outward profession but on a heart transformed by God.

3. Lack of Courage to Stand for Truth: In a world that increasingly rejects biblical truth, watered-down Christianity fails to prepare believers to stand firm in the face of persecution. When the faith is watered down, believers may shy away from standing for biblical truths, such as the sanctity of life, marriage, and morality, for fear of being unpopular or rejected.

4. Spiritual Stagnation: A diluted faith does not lead to spiritual maturity. Without the challenges of discipleship, such as self-denial, sacrifice, and obedience, believers fail to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. This stagnation leads to a faith that is easily swayed by the world and lacks the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in their lives.

The Cost of True Discipleship: A Call to Authentic Faith

The cost of true discipleship is high, but it is not without reward. Jesus Himself promises that those who follow Him will inherit eternal life and experience the fullness of joy that comes from living in alignment with God’s will (Matthew 16:24-26). In order to embrace true discipleship, believers must:

1. Count the Cost: Jesus told His followers to count the cost before embarking on the journey of discipleship (Luke 14:28). True discipleship requires an honest assessment of what will be required—self-denial, sacrifice, and possibly even persecution. But it also brings the fulfillment of being in God’s will and serving His kingdom.

2. Embrace the Cross: Christians are called to take up their cross, not in a symbolic or abstract way, but in the daily, practical choices to live for Christ above all else. This may mean giving up personal dreams, facing opposition, and even suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

3. Live with Purpose and Passion: True discipleship is marked by a deep passion for God's glory and the spread of His kingdom. It involves seeking God's purpose in every area of life and being willing to sacrifice time, resources, and personal comfort to advance the Gospel.

4. Be Willing to Lose All for Christ: As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8, all things are considered rubbish in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus. Discipleship means being willing to lose everything—comfort, status, wealth, and relationships—in order to gain Christ.

True discipleship is not easy, and it is certainly not a path of convenience. It requires self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Jesus. In contrast, the watered-down version of Christianity that is prevalent in many modern churches offers an easier, more comfortable way, but it fails to challenge believers to grow and to reflect Christ's love in the world.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to count the cost of discipleship and choose to follow Him with our whole hearts, knowing that the rewards of true discipleship far outweigh any temporary comforts we might sacrifice. Let us not settle for a diluted version of the faith, but pursue the radical, transformative call of true discipleship, embracing the cross and living with purpose for God’s glory.