Obviously, almost everything a person does or does not come at a cost. For example, when one decides to go to work, the person does so at the expense of his / her time, skill, and energy. On the other hand, when one decides not to go to work but stay home and watch TV, it is going to be at the expense of the financial gain or earnings that is needed to take care of the home. Jesus made it clear to the multitudes, the disciples and anyone that wants to follow Him that it will cost them in spite of what they will gain.
In Luke 9:57, And, as they proceeded on their way, a man came to Him and said, "I will follow you wherever you go." This man offered himself to follow Jesus fully. The man was a scribe or a writer. In other words, he was well educated, well stationed in the society, and most likely he had a decent income. However, Jesus did not hesitate to inform the man about the cost of following Him. Luke 9:58 "The foxes have holes," said Jesus, "and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." It does not mean that Jesus was homeless, or He lacked a decent place of rest. Rather, He was willing to deprive Himself of any comfort including His safety in pursuit of pleasing God and executing His mission.
Following Jesus comes at the expense of one’s comfort, safety, and life at certain times. You cannot become a true follower of Jesus if pleasing Him by doing His will is not your number one priority. Again, you cannot be a true follower of Jesus unless you are willing to put Jesus first above all your relationships. Luke 14:26 "If anyone is coming to me who does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life also, he cannot be a disciple of mine”. Interestingly, today, the church has raised a large number of followers that put their personal comfort, desire, and pursuit first as their number one priority. These people hold on to their worldly desires, and behaviors so when they are confronted with the demands of God’s word that calls for a change in lifestyle and behavior they take offense and walk away from the faith.
Largely, the church had failed to inform her followers that following Christ is going to be at the expense of one’s personal ambition and desire. Although the cost pales in the light of the gain, yet they must be informed that there is a price to pay. Besides, they cannot have it both ways. It is one thing to be a follower of a church, and it is quite another thing to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:57-62, Luke 14:25-27