How often do we talk about the cost of following Christ? Not often enough. It is uncomfortable. It is a message that has serious consequences. Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood these consequences. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids come and die.”

In wrapping up His contrast between the “apparently faithful” and the “truly faithful”, Jesus gets specific on the cost of discipleship. He calls us to unrivaled allegiance. We are called to have no other loves before Him.

We are called to deny our immediate pleasures, forsake everything, and carry our own cross unto death. If we are not serving our purpose, we are of no use. Feeling a bit uncomfortable? Me too.

The apostle Paul understood the cost, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 ESV). His life reflected the supremacy of Christ. Ours should too.

We have been bought with a price, and our Redeemer is calling us to repent and follow Him above anyone or anything else. Are we truly following the Savior or do we just appear to be doing so? How are you protecting the supremacy of Christ in your life?