Being a Christian is an interesting experience: sometimes, you are so happy about it and want to tell people around you that you are a follower of Christ. Other times, it feels exhausting and full of doubt when encountering hardships. While these emotions are a part of the human experience, the harder parts can make even the strongest, most devout Christian wonder: is Jesus worth it?
Yes, it is worth it to follow Jesus, despite the challenges that come along the way. It is worth remembering that being a Christian is a journey, not a one-stop destination; keeping this in mind helps one to remember that following Christ is an ongoing relationship that challenges one to be more Christ-like in the long term and keeps them focused on the ultimate benefit: eternal life with Christ.
By the end of this article, one will know the benefits of following Jesus and why it is better than choosing other paths or methods. While there are many temptations and challenges along the way, the advantages of choosing this path outweigh the problems greatly.
Is it worth it to follow Jesus?
Yes – it is worth it to follow Jesus. Even though it goes against the grain of culture and goes against your natural tendencies.
There are numerous instances where the Bible encourages one to follow the ways God has set from the beginning, and following Jesus Christ today is the same principle. Jesus was clear on the benefits of following him, such as what he said in John 8:12:
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Is it easy to follow Jesus?
The truth is – it is not the easiest decision to follow Jesus because it goes against human nature. As a human being, you are likely to elevate independence, pleasure, and the “freedom” that a sinful life gives, mirroring the “freedom” that Adam and Eve were tempted with (Genesis 3).
However, Christ gives all people a choice – to follow him or to reject him. Jesus never hid the cost of following him from his disciples and followers, as he stated multiple times that it would be lonely and difficult, but it would be worthwhile because of the great rewards that would come.
This makes it helpful to know the considerations one must keep in mind when choosing to follow Christ – and in this way, it does not create a burdensome, “perfectionistic” mindset that is impossible to achieve.
The willingness to submit
When following Christ, He must become Lord of your life – in other words, your master. This means you must be willing to let go of your human tendency to control things and obey his instructions, trusting He knows what is best for you, even if you do not understand it at the time.
Hardships will come – eventually.
Although not all Christians will experience the same hardships, they will all experience challenges at some point in their Christian walk. However, God will not leave you to suffer alone without providing a way out of it, as the Apostle Paul stated:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape so that you can endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13
You will learn the ugly side of your sin
Following Christ is a lifelong journey and that ongoing relationship means that God will reveal many things to you regarding the sins you struggle with. You will get to know the ugliness of it, and He will prompt you to repent about it. Additionally, He will show you where you fall short every day, and this teaches you to be aware of potential pitfalls – resulting in Christ-like character development.
The world will reject you.
Jesus Christ told his disciples in John 15:18 that the world would hate them because they had previously hated him. Since you are following Christ, this will happen to you in some way – but the encouragement is that this challenge results in a greater willingness to submit to Christ’s leadership, including getting out of your comfort zones and accepting accountability from other believers.
What did Jesus say to do before following him?
Jesus was clear about his requirements for anyone who wanted to be his disciple – they had to deny themselves and pick up their cross. That could lead to serious consequences in this life, but He was clear that it would reap significant rewards in the life to come.
The reason he was insistent on this was that many people who were attracted to him were not serious about committing themselves to him. Paul also talks about this struggle in his letters, such as Romans 7:17, as the dual nature of sin still lives in a heart that God is always regenerating. This means that as a Christian, you will fall short many times in your life because sin is alive in you, but the “new man” in you submits to Christ and asks Him for help at all times.
The difficulties are there, and Jesus makes that clear, but He is always available to help in times of need through the Holy Spirit and His word.
What is the cost of following Jesus?
Any Christian who desires to live a God-pleasing life enters a spiritual battle where they are constantly fighting against their fleshly desires. Paul outlines this in Ephesians 6:13, where he encourages believers to put on their full armor to fight effectively.
Jesus stated the cost by illustrating it as picking up one’s cross. While common interpretation states the cross as difficulties one must endure, like illnesses, difficult jobs, or strained relationships, this is not what Jesus meant by that statement. In the context of his day, crosses symbolized humiliation and painful deaths that demanded surrender to authority.
Therefore, the cost of following Jesus is heavy – it involves complete surrender and being willing to die to yourself every day – which Jesus says in Luke 9:24-25:
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world and yet lose their soul? Luke 9:24-25
As long as you are a disciple of Christ, it will cost you something significant – that can mean losing fame, friends, family, reputation, livelihood, and even your life.
What makes Jesus worth it?
Choosing to follow Christ is a worthwhile decision you will not regret because Jesus promises that all believers will have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, in scriptures such as John 15:26. He promises many times that He will not leave you alone. His presence will always be with you, as he promised his disciples in Matthew 28:20.
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me. John 15:26
And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt. 28:20
References
What does it mean to truly follow Christ?
Why is following Christ so difficult?
10 essential considerations before you follow Jesus | Open the Bible
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me”?
Deny yourself and pick up your cross | Blue Letter Bible
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
