Many think that the price of discipleship is too costly and too

James E. Faust once proclaimed with gentleness and power: “Many think that the price of discipleship is too costly and too burdensome. For some, it involves giving up too much. But the cross is not as heavy as it appears to be. Through obedience, we acquire much greater strength to carry it.” These words shine like a lamp for weary travelers, for they speak to that timeless struggle of the human soul: the fear that faith demands more than we can give, and the discovery that in surrender we find not weakness, but power.

The origin of this thought comes from Christ’s command to “take up the cross” and follow Him. To the untrained heart, the cross seems unbearable, a weight of sacrifice too great, a burden of self-denial too severe. Men and women look upon it and shrink back, thinking that to follow is to lose. Yet Faust teaches us the paradox of heaven: the cross, though daunting to the eye, becomes lighter when borne with obedience and love. What seems impossible is made possible, because divine strength flows into the one who yields.

The ancients knew well this hidden law. Consider Simon of Cyrene, compelled to help Christ carry the cross on the road to Golgotha. Though the weight was heavy, in sharing it he became forever remembered in the story of redemption. Likewise, every disciple who shoulders sacrifice discovers that the burden is shared—that heaven itself lends strength. The heavy wood of trial, when lifted in obedience, becomes not a crushing stone but a ladder that raises the soul higher.

History too testifies to this mystery. Think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who defied the powers of tyranny in Nazi Germany. Many believed the price of his discipleship was too high—imprisonment, persecution, and death. Yet he bore it with calm strength, writing words of faith that still inspire generations. What appeared to the world as unbearable, he carried with a peace that surpassed understanding. His obedience did not weaken him; it gave him the strength to stand when others fell.

Faust’s words also remind us that the fear of sacrifice is often greater than the sacrifice itself. The young may fear that discipleship demands the loss of pleasure or freedom; the old may fear it demands the surrender of pride or possessions. But when one steps forward in faith, the burden is revealed to be lighter than expected, for in obedience the heart is transformed. The cross that once seemed dreadful becomes a staff of support, and the yoke that once seemed heavy becomes easy to bear.

The lesson for us is clear: do not let the imagined weight of discipleship keep you from the path of truth. Whatever you fear you must give up, you will find returned in greater measure—peace instead of turmoil, strength instead of frailty, joy instead of emptiness. The cross is never borne alone; it is borne with Christ, and in that fellowship the impossible becomes possible.

So let James E. Faust’s words endure as teaching: the cross is not as heavy as it seems, for obedience brings strength greater than our own. Therefore, take up your cross daily, with courage and trust. Do not shrink from sacrifice, for in sacrifice lies transformation. And know this: the price of discipleship, though it may seem high, is in truth the very treasure that gives life eternal. For the burden borne with faith becomes not a chain, but a crown.