Introduction
There’s a common misconception among many today that becoming a Christian means all your problems will disappear. Some believe that once you join a church, there should be no more suffering, no challenges, no opposition, no hatred, and no jealousy. They expect that every prayer should be answered immediately, and life should become smooth and prosperous.
Because of this misunderstanding, many come to church mainly to receive blessings, breakthroughs, and miracles of kinds. When these things don’t happen as expected or on their timeline, they become disappointed and discouraged. Some begin to feel the church is no longer the right place for them.
Malady
This mindset has led to a growing trend of double church membership, people attending one church today and another tomorrow. The thinking is: “If this place doesn’t work for me, maybe the other one will.”
Church becomes more like a spiritual marketplace, where people shop around for the best “benefits package” rather than committing to a life of faith and discipleship.
Suffering as Christian
But the truth of the Christian life is very different. Jesus never promised a life free from suffering. In fact, He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Christianity isn’t a guarantee of an easy life, it’s a call to follow Christ through both joys and trials.
What is Faith?
Faith is not about using God to get what we want. It’s about knowing God, trusting Him even when things are difficult, and growing in spiritual maturity. A faithful church doesn’t exist to give you everything you want, it exists to point you to Jesus, who gave His life for you.
Discipleship
True discipleship means being rooted, even when things are hard. It means staying, even when prayers are delayed. It means trusting, even when you don’t fully understand
Text
The Gospel of Luke in all of this is Jesus’ demands are impossible to fulfill perfectly. His Law exposes our utter inability to hate our families, deny ourselves, or forsake all possessions in the radical way He requires.
Gospel
Jesus Paid the Cost: The good news is that Jesus counted the cost and paid it in full for you with His own blood on the cross.
Reflection
You are already salty: In your Baptism, Christ made you into pure salt. It is a gift, not something you earned.
Look to Jesus, not your efforts: Do not look inward at your weak commitment or outward at the costly demands. Look to Jesus, who faithfully lived and died for your sins. He is your Savior and forgives you when you fail to be the disciple you ought to be.
The Gift becomes the motivation: Because of His grace, you are now free to follow Him without fear. The Holy Spirit works in you to set your priorities so that Christ comes first, giving you the strength to bear your crosses and renounce the world, not out of compulsion but out of gratitude for your salvation.
Conclusion
The choice is not between a costly faith and a cheap one, but between a Savior who has already paid the cost and a life of fruitless self-effort. The path of discipleship is narrow and demanding, but the reward is eternal life with the One who made you His own.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear”.
Amen!