The Disciplines of Discipleship

LUKE 12:16-21—“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” This is the lesson which Jesus drew from his parable of the rich man whose land brought forth bountifully, producing more than his ordinary needs, and who decided to enlarge his barns to enable him to hoard his increase. The parable presents a striking illustration of the folly of trying to hold on to more than one really needs, and thus losing the opportunity of becoming rich toward God by using what he doesn’t need for the blessing of others.

The Lord does not expect his people to become beggars. On the other hand, observation proves that when a professed follower of the Master centers too much attention on accumulating wealth merely for his own security, it is detrimental to his best spiritual interests. On another occasion Jesus explained that where one’s treasure is, there will his heart be also. (Matt. 6:21; Luke 12:34) If out real treasures are in heaven, we will be setting our affections on things above and not on the thing of the earth.—Col. 3:2

It seems natural for some people to accumulate wealth. There is saying concerning such that every thing they touch turns to money If a person like this should be consecrated child of God, his success, his talent, can be turned to great good in the divine service or, it can hinder him from making; his calling and election sure Which it will be depends upon the genuineness of his consecration and his steadfastness in carrying out its terms.

Jesus taught us to lay up treasures in heaven, “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, any where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Matt. 6:20) We lay up heavenly treasure in proportion to our faithfulness in using our earthly treasures in God’s service. And the word “treasures” should be thought of as including more than money or property.

Some may have treasures of time which they can devote directly or indirectly in the service of God. There are treasures of strength, of intellect, of influence, and of special talents. How are we using these? Are we using them to promote our own interests in life, or are we permitting the Spirit of the Lord to direct us in their use that they may all be turned to the glory of God?

The responsibility of every Christian along this line is great. One doesn’t have to be rich in this world’s goods in order to profit from the lesson of this parable. The desire to become rich may be equally as hazardous to the Christian as actually being rich. In either case, the parable indicates the possibility of one realizing his wrong course too late—“this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”

It is well to remember that lessons of this kind are intended for the Lord’s consecrated people, and not for the world in general. The world of mankind is not now on trial for life or death eternal. Their trial and judgment day will be during the thousand-year reign of Christ. The present Gospel age is the trial day of the church, and consecrated followers of the Master stand to lose everything through failure faithfully to carry out the terms of their covenant of sacrifice—a covenant which calls for the giving up of their all in the service of God.

LUKE 14:27-33—The first and last verses of this passage clearly outline the terms of discipleship—following Jesus as cross-bearers, and forsaking all in his service. These terms are very rigid, and a true disciple of Christ finds it necessary frequently to discipline his flesh in order that his life may be made to conform to them.

Between these two verses the Master presents two hypothetical cases of failure properly to count the cost of any undertaking which may be contemplated. One is the case of the man who might start to build a tower without counting the cost, and then find that he was unable to finish it. The other, the possibility that one might attempt to conquer an army of 20,000 when his own army was but half that size.

In neither of these illustrations do we have the thought of counting the cost in order to determine whether or not the effort is worthwhile. In considering consecration, it is not a matter of deciding whether what we hope to gain is worth more than what we will give up. The thought is rather that of determining whether or not, after entering the narrow way, we will be able to continue; or, as it would be expressed in modern language, whether or not we have what it takes.

It is well for every one who hears the call, thus to count the cost of discipleship. Consecration to do God’s will by following in the footsteps of Jesus should not be entered into lightly, for it is something which involves life and death. Too frequently, perhaps, people take this step thinking of it only from the standpoint of a turning from sin to righteousness, a decision to lead a religiously moral life instead of following the pathway of sin.

But consecration is much more than this, hence one should consider well whether or not he is prepared for the undertaking. First, as Jesus explained, it means to take up one’s cross and follow him into death. Are we prepared to do this? Death is a solemn word. We know what it meant for Jesus to die sacrificially. It entailed weariness, suffering, and ignominy. Are we prepared to meet a cost of discipleship which is so high? If when we search our own hearts we decide that probably when the first signs of weariness, or suffering, or shame, appear we would want to turn back, it would be better not to start in the narrow way at all.

And are we willing to give up all that we have in the Lord’s service—that is, really give it up, not just talk about it as a beautiful philosophy? It is wise to consider this point well, for the Lord will put us to the test sooner or later.

In counting the cost of discipleship, however, there is one point that should never be overlooked, which is that the Lord has promised to give strength to those whose hearts fully subscribe to the doing of his will. Here is an asset which we should never overlook. We could not “build the tower” in our own strength in any case. But if we are willing to put everything we have into it, the Lord will supply what we lack. What a blessed assurance!

QUESTIONS

How can a Christian become rich toward God?

To whom does the parable of the rich man who enlarged his barns, apply?

What are the terms of discipleship as outlined in Luke 14:27,33?

What compensating portion makes it possible for every Christian to be successful in doing the Lord’s will?

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