2/27/25 The Cost of Obedience
Fr. Patrick Bush- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Takeaway: Following God even when it requires sacrifice.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.’” — Matthew 16:24
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day and for the opportunity to draw near to You. Open my heart and mind as I reflect on Your Word. Help me to recognize the moments You place before me and to act with wisdom, grace, and courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
Obedience to God is not always easy. It often requires sacrifice—letting go of comfort, personal desires, and even relationships or ambition that conflict with His will. When Jesus told His disciples that following Him meant denying themselves and taking up their cross, He wasn’t speaking about an easy, comfortable path. He was calling them to a life of surrender, faith, and sometimes, suffering.
The cross was a symbol of death, pain, and ultimate sacrifice. In telling His followers to take up their cross, Jesus made it clear that discipleship comes with a cost. Yet, He also promised that true life is found in losing our own for His sake (v.25). Obedience to God may seem costly in the moment, but the eternal reward is far greater than anything we leave behind.
What is God asking you to surrender? Obedience may mean stepping away from a habit, a toxic relationship, a career goal, or personal comfort to follow God’s leading. Obedience may be costly, but it is worth it. Jesus never promised an easy road, but He promised to walk it with us.
Application
• Evaluate What’s Holding You Back — What am I clinging to that keeps me from fully following Christ?
• Trust that His plan is greater than your fears.
• Start with small acts—serving others, forgiving someone, prioritizing prayer, or choosing integrity even when no one is watching.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that obedience is not always easy, but I know Your ways are higher than mine. Give me the courage to follow You, even when it requires sacrifice. Help me trust in Your plan and find joy in surrendering to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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