“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
~ Philippians 3:8
What if your faith cost you your friends, your job, your reputation… maybe even your life? Would you still say, “Yes, Lord, I will follow You”? Faith is easy when it’s comfortable, but real faith is tested when it costs something — or everything.
Faith That Costs is Faith That Lasts
Many believers admire the boldness of the early church, but forget that following Christ often brought them persecution, imprisonment, and even death. The question is not just hypothetical — for many around the world today, following Jesus means losing family, friends, followers, status, or freedom.
Jesus Himself warned us:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
— Luke 9:23
A cross was not jewelry in the first century — it was an instrument of execution. To take up your cross means to embrace the reality that obedience to Jesus may cost you everything you hold dear.
Faith that never costs you anything is not faith at all. True faith in Jesus Christ will confront the idols of comfort, popularity, security, and self-preservation. It asks you to stand for Christ even when the world mocks you, when friends and/or family abandon you, and when the cost feels unbearable.
Jesus made the cost clear:
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
— Matthew 10:37-38
This is not a call to be reckless — but a call to be willing. It is about putting Jesus first no matter what. Paul understood this. He lost his position, his wealth, his friends — but he said it was worth it all to gain Christ.
The question we must wrestle with: Do we value Jesus enough that nothing else compares? If we lost every earthly thing but still had Him, would we call ourselves blessed?
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What is the most valuable thing in my life right now — and could I surrender it if Jesus asked me to?
- How do I react when my faith costs me relationships or opportunities?
- In what areas do I still seek human approval more than God’s approval?
- If persecution increased where I live, would I still speak boldly about Jesus?
- What areas of compromise in my life reveal that comfort matters more to me than obedience?
- How can I prepare my heart to endure suffering for Christ when it comes?
- What practical step can I take today to put Jesus first — even when it costs me something?
Bible Verses for Meditation:
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
— Matthew 10:38
“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
— Philippians 1:29
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
— 1 Peter 4:12-13
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:17
Prayer:
Abba Father,
Give me a heart that treasures You above all else. Strengthen me to stand firm when my faith is tested and to count the cost with joy, knowing that You are my reward. Teach me to trust You when following Jesus is costly, and remind me that nothing compares to the glory that is coming. May my life be a testimony that You are worth everything. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart so that I never sin against You. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
