For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?” vs. 28
Luke 14:28-33
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the martyred German theologian, published a book called The Cost of Discipleship in 1937, and following his death it became perhaps the best known of his writings. In his estimation the gospel had been undermined by what he called “cheap grace,” which he defined as the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance–in other words grace without discipleship. It doesn’t take much imagination to see that Bonhoeffer was echoing the words of Jesus. People loved to hear his words of grace and forgiveness. They loved hearing about his mercy and steadfast love. But they didn’t much like it when they were reminded that being his disciple was going to cost them. In many instances it would cost them dearly and some would lose their lives. But perhaps the biggest challenge of all was Jesus’ assertion that becoming a disciple would mean giving up all possessions. That’s so radical that we can scarcely believe that he would have said such a thing. But even if we’re unwilling to part with all of our possessions, what if we could at least agree that being unwilling to change is not a worthy response to Christ’s gracious word of forgiveness. After all it’s only a pious charade when we hear words of grace and walk away unchanged by their power.
Thought for the Day: What has my faith walk cost me?
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