Counting the Cost

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If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-35 KJV)

In the last two weeks, I have written about Salvation and A New Creation—today we will consider what it means to count the cost, before saying “yes” to Jesus. Certainly, there is a cost—what that cost is differs from person to person. Just as we count the cost (budgeting) in planning for a week, a month, or a year—counting the cost of following Jesus into a new way life and living is important too.

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, prior to His death and resurrection, He clearly communicated the cost of discipleship—following Him. He expected His earliest followers (and us) to count the cost of what it means to follow Him, before we commit our lives to Him. Jesus talked about picking up our cross (a topic for a future blog post!), leaving family (and everything else) to follow Him. The commitment is big; however, Jesus empowers us through the Holy Spirit to live life as the new creation He has made us!

Many times Jesus asks us to do things that not only may take us out of our comfort zones. He may also ask us to “leave home” (either literally or figuratively) and family, like Abram/Abraham, in order to follow Him to where He desires us to go and what He has for us to do. Jesus may well change our plans—His plans are far greater than ours!

When we commit our lives to Jesus, we don’t know what He may ask of us.  Jesus may ask us to give up treasured dreams, hobbies, careers, or perhaps a high paying job, in order to serve Him. One thing that we can be assured of: He will be there for us each step of the way. He will be faithful to us, that we can count on. However, Jesus expects His followers to surrender all to Him and that includes family. There is no looking back at the past; there is too much to do!

How have you counted the cost of following Jesus (discipleship)?

What is/was the cost to you?  

What is/was your choice?

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Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we desire to make a new or to renew our commitment to serving You. We have counted the cost and found the cost worth it. Grant us the strength and courage we need to leave home, family, or whatever else You ask us to do. We desire to look ahead at the path You have marked out for us and not behind us or to the right or to the left. Thank You for everyone who has obeyed You and gave much to follow and serve you—we seek to walk in their footsteps, following their example. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim