Are you counting the cost?

Question

Counting the Cost

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it. . . . "

— Luke 14:27–28


When Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover, John's Gospel tells us that many believed in His name after they saw the signs He did. But Jesus did not entrust himself to them, because "He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man" (John 2:24–25).

To put it simply, many believed in Him, but He did not believe in them. Many believed in Him, but their faith was superficial. It was shallow. It was based on the moment, not on a real commitment. Thus, Christ did not commit himself to them.

There are a lot of people who say they want to follow Jesus. And that is good. But that commitment will be challenged. We must decide to follow Jesus not because our best friend is, not because our boyfriend or girlfriend is, not because our parents are, but because we have chosen to follow Christ.

Many of us can get caught up in the moment. It's like watching an Olympic medal ceremony. We see someone representing their nation standing up on that pedestal. As the gold medal is placed around the athlete's neck and the flag of his or her country is raised while the national anthem plays, we say, "I want to be an Olympic athlete. That is what I want to do." But do we realize the hours, days, months, and years these athletes dedicate to one competition?

We get excited about the medal ceremonies. But are we willing to go through the training? Are we willing to count the cost? Is our commitment to Him and Him alone? Are we willing to be real followers of Jesus?

Answer 1

ive been one for 31 yrs..

Answer 2

No, because there is no comparison. If someone were to tell me, them or your y/a - I would ask for a compromise of some sort, and start evaluating my relationship more closely, cause I'm my own person, and if you're jealous of an hour or two a day online, when they aren't even around at that time, there will be bigger obstacles on down the line they won't handle at all. Good luck to ya sweets - I'm sorry - and double what AJ said. I'm going to add to this and say that although I do not know you well, I know you love your family. From a woman that's seen her share of controlling men, to me it would scream control over me and my form of happiness. If that is not the only thing he is trying to control about me, I'm looking for a way out, and how.

Answer 3

http://www.kingdom-gospel.com/disciple.html

5. Luke 14:28-30 "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to mock him, saying 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"

The Lord requires us to count the cost of our discipleship. He wants us to see what it will take. You must be prepared to deny yourself, set your life in priorities. Don't just blindly decide to follow after Christ. Look at what changes it will do to your life. By counting the cost, you will be able to see your weaknesses and strengths. Perhaps you will need specific training or guidance. By planning ahead, you minimize your falls. Our testimony is an example to others. We are salt and light in the earth. Counting the cost will enable you to finish the task. But remember:

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Answer 4

I've often thought that if one REALLY loved Jesus with ALL of his heart and mind, he would give his life into the service of God. Then I remember that all are not called for this. All of these Christians with one or both feet in the world really have me confused. Will Christ deny them? Will the majority of church congregations be turned away? Excellent commentary Mr. M.

Answer 5

It's a day to day thing. Some days I think I am doing well and other days I feel as if I am failing the Lord. I'm just thankful for His grace, because He loves me, and knows my heart. If He judged me the way I judge myself sometimes, I would not measure up at all.

Answer 6

Yes, I counted the cost before becoming an atheist, after many years aas a dedicated active Christian.
It cost me all my social life and community, most of my friends who were Christian...

But I had to go with what I understood to be true.
Despite the cost.

Answer 7

Good lesson... Everything you do of real worth takes something in time, dedication, or whatever.

Being an atheist I would have prefered it a little less preachy, but I have to admit that the bible does have some pretty good lessons.

Answer 8

a cross... a symbol of hardship... leave religion and see what it means.. how many idiots turn on you .. salvation means freedom from religion.. why is a dead jesus a hero in religion because according to the story he's dead before he could get his message across... that is the sick mentality to many of you chose to follow...

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

I have already counted the costs and I can't afford to go to Hell.