Question

Here's a question that I have been praying through.

When we begin equipping new believers,do we focus on the cost of discipleship, the benefits of discipleship, or a combination of both?

Of the limited material out their for discipling new believers, the vast majority focuses on one end of the spectrum or the other. There is little if any decent material available which takes a blended approach.

The cost approach focuses on what we give up to follow Christ. It focuses on "counting the cost" and on "carrying our cross" and on "denying ourself". These are all Biblical concepts, but do they scare people away? Some would argue that if someone is scared away, they didn't really believe to begin with.

The benefits approach focuses on the promise of heaven and eternal life. It acknowledges that we will struggle in this life, and that we must put Christ first, but focuses on "will not perish but have eternal life" and "my burden is light" and "cast your cares upon Him". Some would argue that this Utopian view of discipleship leaves people weak and without deep convictions leading to holiness.

Is it not possible to blend these two? If we teach people to love God and love others aren't we capturing both approaches? Loving God includes the cost and benefit teachings of Scripture. Loving others is the active side of our faith. It is practical holiness, what I believe Jesus modeled. Jesus lived the cost, but didn't dwell on it because He knew the benefit outweighed the cost. He was trying to show this as He ministered to people. His focus was on reconnecting people to God, which leads to holiness and therefore receives the benefits, and connecting people with community, which is holiness revealed to the world (see Matthew 5:16).

So what does a blended approach look like? How do we teach both at the same time? That's what I am working through. I would love your prayers and ideas!