Read Luke 14:25-35

THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE
Jesus’ audience was sell aware of what it meant to carry a cross. When the Romans led a criminal to his execution site, he was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This showed his submission to Rome and warned observers that they had better submit, too. Jesus spoke this teaching to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for Him. He encountered those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Christ means total submission to Him – perhaps even to the point of death.
When a builder doesn’t count the cost or estimates it inaccurately, his building may be left half completed. Will your Christian life be abandoned after a little while because you did not count the cost of commitment to Jesus? Christians may face loss of social status or wealth. They may have to give up control of their money, their time or their career. They may be hated, separated from their family, and even put to death.
Following Christ does not mean a trouble free life. You must carefully count the cost of becoming Christ’s disciple so that you will firmly hold to your faith and won’t be tempted later to turn back.
Salt can lose its flavor. When it gets wet and then dries, or is contaminated, nothing is left but a tasteless residue. Many Christians blend into the world and avoid the cost of standing up for Christ. But Jesus ways if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, you are to preserve the good in the world and bring new flavor to life. This requires special planning, willing sacrifice, and unswerving commitment to Christ. But if a Christian fails to be salty, he/she fails to represent Christ in the world. How salty are you?