Counting the Cost
Posted by: ba <ba@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Field Notes
Counting the Cost
By Michael E. Brooks
"For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether
he has sufficient to finish it?" (Lk. 14:28).
On one trip to Suriname I met a taxi driver who
was attending our campaign. He offered to drive me
to various appointments and I accepted, assuming
that I would pay for the rides. After the first
trip I asked what I owed, and he responded, "don't
worry about it now, we will settle up after the
end of the campaign." Some days later we did
"settle up", at what I felt was a very exorbitant
rate. Unfortunately any opportunity for
negotiating was past, and I felt compelled to
accept his terms.
Jesus advises us to arrange terms in advance. Know
what you want to do, and assess the costs of your
actions in advance. With regard to discipleship,
he teaches:
"If any man comes to me, and hates not his father,
and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers,
and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot
be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his
cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple"
(Lk. 14:26,27).
Following Jesus requires absolute commitment. Too
many "would be" disciples make an initial decision
to be a Christian, but soon find that the cost is
greater than they anticipated. They are like the
seed scattered among the thorns in Jesus' parable
of the sower (Matt. 13:3-23). The "care of the
world" chokes the word and the recipient becomes
unfruitful. When it becomes time to "settle up",
he is unable or unwilling to pay the price.
The same principle also works when it comes to
sin. Satan entices us with promises of pleasure or
gain, but does not tell us what our actions will
cost us in the long run. We aren't told that the
alcohol or drugs that promise us a good time will
eventually cost our health, our jobs, our
families, and our lives. But millions have
realized far too late that that is the true price.
Similarly the unethical and ruthless practices
that provide profit and prosperity will cost far
more than they produce in lost trust, ruined
reputations, and broken relationships.
Now when I get in a taxi, anywhere in the world, I
first ask, "how much?" If the cost is more than I
feel it should be I get out and try another car. I
follow the same principle in spiritual matters.
Christ is upfront with us, letting us know exactly
what he requires. Satan, on the other hand, is
deceptive, concealing the final bill until it is
too late for us to negotiate and choose whether
what we have gained is truly worth the price we
pay. Yes, the cost of discipleship is high, but
only until we consider the exorbitant cost of not
being Jesus' follower. Satan's is the price we can
never afford to pay.
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