Have you ever heard the phrase, “What’s it going to cost me?” Usually, it’s associated with something like a big repair on a car. A car that may not be worth sinking another $1,000. In another case, it could be paying more for VIP seats at a concert or sports game. In these scenarios and others alike, you need to count the cost of what’s it going to take to have it, lose it, or sacrifice it.
I found this reading the other day in Luke 14:25-33. This example reflects upon someone building a tower and whether they have enough money and workers to finish the job. Well, I don’t think any of us are going to be building a tower anytime soon, but maybe this will help. When planning an international trip, doesn’t one research and figure out the cost of airfare, the hotel, the tours, food, etc., before actually booking that particular vacation? I sure hope so or else they’re in for a surprise.
The same principle could apply here. What is the cost of being in a certain circle of friends? Joining a team? Political party? Well, we know where the last one takes us. DIVIDED. Some people go with the flow and others live by a rigid schedule. Neither is correct as we know, “everything in moderation and not in extreme”. Here’s a good one. How about following Jesus? What is that cost? A preacher once said that following Jesus will not only cost you something; it will cost you everything! Your family, friends, maybe your job, and of course, your life, if it ever came to that. You can see in the last verse, verse 33, what Jesus says… “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Hmmm… ponder on that for a moment.
In another example of “Counting the Cost”, I found this scripture.
Reading through 2 Samuel 24, we see King David sin against God by taking a census of the people. He didn’t pray about it before but rather took it upon himself to go against God and follow his thoughts. We see that God’s anger is aroused against Israel and allows a plague to consume the people and 70,000 people perish. It was a judgment against David. In his remorse for forgiveness, he wishes to build an altar to sacrifice and offer burnt offerings to the Lord. He is given it freely by a man named, Araunah, but the King refuses and says he will not accept it freely, but rather buy it for a price because his disobedience to God had cost him the lives of the people of Israel and Judah. It is also why he didn’t want to have something that would cost him nothing.
Are we willing to live a life boldly for Jesus? Are we willing to stand up for what is right?
July 4th, 2024 is upon us. Independence Day. As we celebrate this American holiday, never forget freedom has a cost. Just as being a Christian. I thank our Founding Fathers and all who have served this country.
When it’s my time to go, I want to make sure I’ve been a good and faithful servant for the One True King!
What’s this life gonna cost you?