Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14.27 NRSV)
Two West Point cadets had very different abilities and talents. One was athletic and intelligent, while the other was an average young man without much athletic ability. The second young man had a problem which the first did not. To graduate from West Point, seniors must be able to pass a physical fitness test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run within a set period of time. The two cadets took the test on the same day. For the first cadet, the test was absolutely no problem. For the second, however, it was not only a problem, it was the problem of his life. If he failed the test, he would not graduate from West Point. He did pass the first part of the fitness test. The two-mile run was the problem. He had never run the event within the allotted time, and he had no reason to believe that he could do it now. As he was running, he was not full of confidence or hope. And it showed. The further along he went, the more he felt sapped of energy and strength.

Just about the time he was ready to give up, the first cadet noticed what was happening to his friend. He decided to help him. This was not an easy decision, because it meant that he would lose valuable time, and that would cost him points in his overall standing in his class. The young man concluded that his friend was worth it. So he slowed down, waited for the second cadet to catch up to him, and then proceeded to encourage him down the track with shouts of, "You can do it." "Go for it." "You're gonna make it."

The second cadet did not respond with any great burst of speed but he didn't give up either. With the first cadet running alongside him, he continued to plod along, pushing himself for all he was worth. The first cadet kept yelling. And he kept running. And with all the energy he could muster, he finally crossed the finish line with the first cadet at his side. The second cadet was totally exhausted. It was a great moment for both men. There was only one thing wrong--both of them failed the test.

This wasn't the conclusion we expected was it? We expected a nice ending where both young men succeeded. The first cadet, though, discovered the cost of discipleship. He gave his all to help his friend accomplish something he could not have done on his own. And it cost him. Discipleship always costs.

Dear God, guide me in giving up something that will cost me, so that your kingdom will grow. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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