By: Bryon Swanson
At Back to the Bible, we believe that engaging with Scripture regularly is essential for spiritual growth. Our research shows that Christians who engage with the Bible four or more times a week are more likely to grow in their faith, resist spiritual challenges, and mentor others. However, reading the Bible is not enough—it's not just about exposure to truth; it's about obedience to that truth.
This is James point when he writes, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (1:22-25). We are called to take what we read and live it out. Reading without action is dangerous because it deceives us into thinking we're spiritually healthy when, in fact, we're stagnant. James compares this to a person who looks in a mirror, sees what they need to change, but walks away without doing anything.
In a similar passage, James points out that even demons believe in God, but their belief does not lead to obedience (2:18-19). In the same way, if our engagement with Scripture stops at intellectual acknowledgment without practical application, we risk becoming like those who acknowledge the truth but fail to live by it. True discipleship is marked by transformation through obedience.
But it is Jesus himself who makes the point most powerfully in a sermon recorded by Luke (14:25-33). The passage begins by noting that large crowds followed Jesus constantly. They were eager to hear his teaching, but they weren’t eager to become true disciples. So, Jesus used this moment to challenge the people who listened without acting on his teaching, making it clear that listening alone was not enough. Genuine engagement with God’s word transforms our lives in the following ways:
Loving Jesus More than Anything Else (Luke 14:26)
Jesus began by stating that to follow Him, we must love Him more than we love anyone or anything else. He said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Of course, Jesus isn't advocating for hatred toward our families, but rather a love for Him that surpasses all other attachments. When we love Christ supremely, it reorders our other loves. We are then free to love people and possessions in a way that honors God and reflects proper priorities. This love, demonstrated through obedience, reveals the genuineness of our faith.
Following Jesus Even in the Face of Opposition (Luke 14:27)
Jesus continues by saying that anyone who does not “carry his own cross” cannot be His disciple. Carrying the cross signifies being willing to identify with Christ, even in the face of
suffering and opposition. Obedience often comes at a cost—whether that’s discomfort, criticism, or persecution. Following Jesus requires us to align ourselves with Him, even and especially when it’s hard or unpopular. This level of commitment is not just about hearing Jesus’ teachings but following through with action, no matter the personal cost.
Persevering Over the Course of Our Whole Life (Luke 14:28-32)
Jesus then illustrates the importance of counting the cost by comparing discipleship to a man who builds a tower or a king who goes to war. Both individuals must carefully consider their commitment before embarking on such an endeavor. Jesus is teaching that the journey of faith requires perseverance. We can’t allow ourselves to quit when times get tough or when the demands of discipleship feel heavy. Obedience to Christ is a lifelong commitment—it’s not enough to start strong; we must endure to the end. This perseverance shows the depth of our love and trust in Christ.
Valuing Jesus Above All (Luke 14:33)
Finally, Jesus concludes by saying that “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” True discipleship means valuing Jesus more than anything else in our lives. This doesn't necessarily mean that we have to give away all our possessions, but it does mean holding everything we have with an open hand, willing to surrender whatever He asks. When we love Christ above all, we are willing to use our resources for His purposes, trusting that His will is better than our own desires.
Conclusion
Merely reading the Bible, without acting on its teachings, is a dangerous practice. It can give us a false sense of security and spiritual health. As James reminds us, we are called to be doers of the Word. Jesus, in Luke 14:25-33, shows that following Him requires more than passive listening—it demands total commitment and obedience. If we truly love Christ, it will be evident in our lives as we obey His teachings, carry our crosses, persevere in faith, and value Him above all else. Only then can we experience the fullness of life He promises and become the disciples He calls us to be.
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