Understanding the Assignment: The True Cost of Discipleship

In our fast-paced world of instant gratification and quick fixes, the concept of true discipleship can seem daunting, even counterintuitive. Yet, as we delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus and the wisdom of spiritual leaders throughout history, we begin to uncover a profound truth: the path of discipleship requires careful consideration, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to prioritize our faith above all else.

Consider for a moment the process of cooking a meal. How often have we started with good intentions, only to realize halfway through that we're missing crucial ingredients? This culinary mishap serves as a perfect metaphor for our spiritual lives. Just as chefs emphasize the importance of mise en place - preparing and organizing ingredients before cooking - we too must prepare ourselves for the journey of faith.

The Gospel of Luke offers us a challenging perspective on what it truly means to be a disciple. Jesus, addressing the crowds following Him, presents a series of stark statements:
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

At first glance, these words may seem harsh, even contradictory to the message of love that permeates Jesus' teachings. However, we must understand this as hyperbole - an exaggeration used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all earthly relationships and attachments.

Jesus goes on to illustrate His point with two practical examples: a person building a tower and a king preparing for war. In both scenarios, the emphasis is on careful planning and consideration of the costs involved. This isn't about literal construction or warfare, but about the spiritual edifice we're building in our lives and the battles we may face in our faith journey.

The message is clear: discipleship is not a casual commitment. It requires us to "give up everything" - not necessarily in a literal sense, but in terms of our priorities and allegiances. This echoes the words found in 2 Corinthians 5:7, reminding us to "live by faith, not by sight."

But how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? The teachings of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, offer valuable insights. Wesley spoke of "ordinances of God" or spiritual disciplines that can help nurture and grow our faith. These include:

1. Public worship
2. Private and family prayer
3. Searching the scriptures and Bible study
4. Fasting
5. Partaking in the Lord's Supper
   
   

These disciplines are not meant to be a checklist for salvation, but rather tools to deepen our relationship with Christ and strengthen our discipleship. They provide structure and support for our spiritual growth, much like the mise en place in cooking ensures a successful meal.

As we consider these practices, it's important to remember that they are means to an end, not the end itself. Wesley cautioned against mistaking the means for the end - our ultimate goal is not to simply perform rituals, but to grow closer to God and embody His love in the world.

The journey of discipleship also calls us to live out our baptismal vows daily. These vows challenge us to renounce evil, resist injustice and oppression, and confess Jesus Christ as our Savior. They remind us that our faith is not passive, but active - calling us to engage with the world around us in meaningful ways.

However, as we embrace this path, we must also grapple with the potential costs. The words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who resisted Nazi Germany, offer a profound perspective:
"Discipleship is not limited to what you can comprehend - it must transcend all comprehension. Plunge into the deep waters beyond your own comprehension, and I will help you to comprehend even as I do. Bewilderment is the true comprehension. Not to know where you are going is the true knowledge."

This statement challenges our need for certainty and control. True discipleship requires us to trust God completely, even when the path ahead is unclear. It's about stepping out in faith, knowing that God's understanding transcends our own.

As we reflect on these teachings, we're invited to examine our own lives. Where are we called to prioritize our faith? What areas of our lives need more careful planning and consideration? How can we incorporate spiritual disciplines to deepen our relationship with God?

The journey of discipleship is not always easy. It may require us to make difficult choices, to step out of our comfort zones, and to trust in God's guidance even when the way forward seems uncertain. But it is through this journey that we grow, that we are transformed, and that we truly come to understand what it means to follow Christ.

In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification and surface-level commitments, the call to true discipleship stands out as a radical alternative. It invites us to consider the deeper meaning of our faith, to plan carefully for our spiritual growth, and to be willing to give up everything in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

As we go about our daily lives, let us carry these reflections with us. Let us approach our faith with the same careful consideration as a chef preparing a meal or a king planning for battle. Let us embrace spiritual disciplines not as rigid rules, but as nourishing practices that help us grow. And above all, let us trust in God's guidance, even when the path ahead is unclear.

For in the end, true discipleship is not about having all the answers or perfectly executing a plan. It's about trusting God, stepping out in faith, and being willing to follow wherever He leads. It's about understanding the assignment - not just in our minds, but in our hearts and in our lives.