The measurement, or barometer of discipleship that Jesus taught in Luke 14:25-35 was certainly not easy to achieve.

He spoke of ‘hating’ those we love most, the point being that we cannot derive personal comfort nor satisfaction by loving anyone else more than we derive by loving Christ!  He spoke of carrying our own cross—just as He did on the way to his own death, and finally, counting the high cost of being a disciple, for he knew it would cost us something of ourselves.

It doesn’t sound joyful, but the Apostle Paul assured us in II Timothy 2:19 that the hard work, studying to show ourselves approved, and remaining faithful in the race would be worth it all, because the Lord knows those who are his, and he has promised that there is an eternal prize awaiting all those who finish the race and are eagerly watching for his appearing.