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Apr 17, 2026 06:00am

Count the Cost: What It Really Means to Follow Christ

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I don’t think we’d ever find an active serviceman or servicewoman, or veteran who would say, “I signed up just for the uniform.”

Being a part of the military is much more than that. I remember friends joining the service when we were younger, and they were going to get their college paid for or a signing bonus that would help them and their families. But they didn’t enlist with blinders on. They knew there was a great deal at stake.

Could they be called to deploy? Yes.
Could they face the enemy in battle? Yes.
Could they suffer or die because of it? Yes.

And yet, they still proudly served.

Why?

Have you ever asked that to a veteran or someone actively serving in the military? They might look at you like that’s an absurd question. Or you might see their eyes begin to tear up as they think back to their decision.

For family.
For freedom.
With honor.

This is the heart of the American Soldier.

Philippians 1:29–30
“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.”

When you chose to become a believer in Christ, did you do it just for the benefits? Did you count the cost?

“And if you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” — Luke 14:27–28

Christ called us to follow Him. He promised to forgive us, transform us, and equip us to carry out a mission. That mission comes with its own set of dangers.

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you.” — John 15:18–20

“Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, He said, ‘If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?’” — Mark 8:34–37

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.” — 1 Peter 4:12–13

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.” — 1 Peter 4:19

Here’s my question to you: If we are willing to follow Christ, and He suffered greatly, what makes us believe that we shouldn’t suffer for His sake?

If we follow Jesus, there will be trials in this world. There will be suffering. But like any true soldier, we press on—knowing the mission and understanding the call—because what we fight for isn’t of this world.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Jesus said, “Follow Me.” As believers, we count it an honor and privilege to follow Him—even to the cross.

Are you ready to take that step of becoming a follower of Christ? Do you want to know Him more and make Him known? Go to follow.lifeword.org and learn more about the mission of God and how you can join Him.