DIDACTIC: "NO CHEAP DISCIPLESHIP" BY IKECHUKWU FRANK

We gather in crowded churches, yet hunger for the King,

We lift our hands in worship, but what will surrender bring?

We love the sound of blessings, the comfort and applause,

But Jesus calls for everything—the life behind the cause.

No cheap discipleship, no bargain with the Cross,

No following without surrender, no gain without the loss;

He calls us from the comfort where easy faith can hide,

To walk the narrow road with Him, with nothing left beside.

Give Him your plans and passions, your money and your name,

Your secret thoughts and hidden fears, your hunger for acclaim;

Let character speak louder than every public show,

For faith becomes discipleship when obedience starts to grow.

At home, let love be proven; at work, let truth prevail,

In conflict choose forgiveness; when tempted, do not fail;

Let Christ rule every corner—the public and unseen,

For Sunday faith means nothing if Monday remains unchanged.

When suffering comes like thunder and comfort disappears,

When dreams become a battlefield, surrender conquers fear;

The disciple keeps on walking though tears obscure the way,

Because the One who calls him forward is faithful every day.

Let Africa arise with hearts that cannot be bought,

With courage in our churches and integrity in our thought;

Let young and old together make holiness their song,

Not chasing empty platforms, but learning to belong.

We are not merely spectators, nor Christians by a name,

Not followers of fashion, applause, influence or fame;

We are the hands that serve, the feet that choose to go,

The lives that bear the message wherever Jesus calls us so.

So count the cost, dear pilgrim; let every idol fall,

There is no greater freedom than answering His call;

No cheap road leads to glory, no comfort crowns the true—

The Saviour gave His everything; now give your life to Him too.

© Ikechukwu Frank.

The poem “No Cheap Discipleship” by Ikechukwu Frank is a Christian didactic poem that emphasizes the true cost of following Jesus Christ. The poet criticizes superficial Christianity that seeks blessings, comfort, popularity, and recognition without genuine sacrifice or obedience. He calls believers to surrender their plans, possessions, ambitions, fears, and desires to Christ while demonstrating their faith through integrity, forgiveness, love, and righteous living.

The poem further stresses that true discipleship must influence both public and private life, especially during suffering, temptation, and difficult circumstances. It encourages Christians, particularly in Africa, to reject the pursuit of fame and empty religious platforms and instead embrace holiness, service, courage, and commitment. Ultimately, the poet urges believers to count the cost of discipleship, abandon every competing idol, and respond fully to Christ, who gave everything for humanity.