The Cost and Privilege of Following Jesus

The Cost and Privilege of Following Jesus

There is a common misconception that following Jesus leads to a life of joy and happiness. This is often the case when it comes to those in ministry, as if being a Christian leader equates to a constant state of perfection. While I certainly experience joy in ministry, the reality is far more complex.

Ministry is a privilege that brings joy and fulfillment. But alongside that, there is struggle, sacrifice, and, at times, deep sorrow.

Where has the idealised, utopian image of discipleship come from?

Scripture speaks of the cost of following Jesus. In Luke 9:62, Jesus says, "Anyone who starts to plough and then keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God." This is a reminder that discipleship demands focus, a commitment. It is not about convenience or comfort; it is about obedience and faithfulness.

There is joy in service, but there are also days when it is incredibly hard. Days when faith is tested, when the cost of discipleship feels too high, and when the burden of ministry seems overwhelming. Yet, this is where faith and covenant come in.

Faith—faith in the God who was, who is, and who is to come. Faith that He continues to ransom, heal, restore, and forgive, not because of what we do, but because of who He is. Faith that even in our weariness, He is at work, shaping and sustaining us.

And covenant—an assurance that God keeps His promises to His people. Even when following Jesus sets us apart from the world, when it makes us look countercultural, when it demands decisions and choices that defy worldly logic, we can stand firm, knowing that He is faithful.

Following Jesus is costly, but it is also a privilege. So we press on—not because the road is easy, but because He is God. Never say no to God’s call, it’s costly but it’s worth it!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My last blog (for now…!)

Image
My last blog (for now…!) There are times when words alone can’t fully capture the story of our lives—the mountain tops and the valley bottoms. Often songs come into my head that help me better articulate what I’m experiencing, and this past weekend I’ve been singing these words; Jesus, What a Saviour You Are “ You are my strength When all my strength has ended You are my hope When all my hope is gone You are my joy When my world is full of sorrow You’re the peace in my tomorrow For I know that You’ll be there… ” These words summarise my testimony. The past 18-months have been fairly traumatic for me, filled with more change, pain, and growth than I ever could have imagined. I write my thoughts and reflections down because I find it helpful—and I hope that, in some small way, sharing my experiences might help others too. This is my last blog (for a while…!), as taking a break from writing is for me a symbolic act of closing one chapter and starting another. Recent months have been marke...
Read more

Rethinking Homelessness Services: A Call for Change in The Salvation Army

Rethinking Homelessness Services: A Call for Change in The Salvation Army For over a hundred years, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland has provided vital homelessness services. In more recent history, these services have often been funded through contracts with Local Authorities. These contracts usually dictate how services operate, setting financial limits, service models, and key performance indicators (KPIs). While they ensure some level of support and accommodation is available, they also present significant challenges—challenges that make me question whether this is still the right model to be used. The Problem with Contracted Services At first glance, contracts appear to offer stability and reduce risk. They provide funding, structure, and a framework for homelessness service provision. However, they also force providers—charities, faith groups, and housing associations—into a competitive business model that simply doesn’t work for a people-focused sector. Inste...
Read more

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry I today had opportunity to have coffee with the one and only Andrew Vertigan. It was good to share with Andrew, especially as he co-leads my home church and was pivotal in my own call to ministry.  Afterwards, my mind turned to the following questions:  • What happens when leaders don’t fit into a box? • What happens when leaders don’t flourish on their own? • What happens when leaders have their skills, talents, and preferences assumed? These are vital questions for The Salvation Army today. As we seek to be a movement led by the Spirit, sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus, we must consider how we release people into ministry and mission in ways that allow them to truly flourish. Some leaders flourish best in structured, clearly defined roles, while others, like myself, thrive in the messiness of life. I flourish best in messy, intergenerational settings where life is lived out in supportive, loving...
Read more