Monday, 5^th  October 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE COST OF FOLLOWING

Theme Scripture: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." — Luke 9:23

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. What part of your life have you been unwilling to place under Christ’s authority?

Following Jesus was never presented as convenient.

It was presented as costly.

Jesus did not hide the terms. He spoke clearly about denial, surrender, and daily commitment. The Christian life is not a casual addition to an already self-directed life. It is a complete reorientation of life under His lordship.

Self-denial is not self-hate. It is the rejection of self-rule. It is the decision that Christ, not personal preference, determines direction.

Many people are comfortable with a version of Christianity that adds Jesus to their lives without disrupting their control. But Jesus does not enter life as a guest. He enters as Lord.

Taking up the cross daily is not about occasional sacrifice. It is about continual surrender. It is choosing obedience even when it conflicts with comfort, reputation, ambition, or desire.

This is where many people struggle. They want salvation without surrender. Forgiveness without obedience. Peace without submission. But Jesus consistently connects discipleship with cost.

This cost shows up in practical ways.

It may affect relationships.

It may challenge career choices.

It may confront habits.

It may require forgiveness where pride resists.

It may require obedience where fear is strong.

Yet the invitation remains open.

Follow me.

Not partially.

Not selectively.

Fully.

The paradox of the Christian life is that what feels like loss often leads to true life. What is surrendered to God is never wasted. What is placed in His hands is never lost.

Jesus is not asking for perfection. He is asking for willingness. A surrendered heart can be shaped. A resistant heart remains unchanged.

The question is not whether following Christ has a cost. The question is whether you recognize that not following Him has a far greater one.

Key Takeaway

True discipleship requires daily surrender of self-rule to the authority of Jesus Christ.

Beloved, choose to take up your cross and follow Him fully. It would be far more rewarding that steering away from the cost of following the Master.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING

- Luke 9:23-25

- Matthew 16:24-26

- Romans 12:1-2

- Galatians 2:20

- Philippians 3:7-8

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. In what areas am I still living under my own control instead of Christ’s authority?

2. What “cross” am I currently avoiding?

3. Do I see obedience as optional or essential?

4. What would full surrender to Christ look like in my current situation?

PRAYER

Father, I acknowledge that I often resist full surrender. Forgive me for the areas where I still try to control my life. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus without compromise. Give me the courage to obey even when it is costly. Shape my heart to fully belong to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 14–15; Psalm 7