When we travel to Mexico, I'm glad to know one important phrase, "Cuanto cuesta este? (How much does this cost?) I've seen signs in exclusive stores that say, "If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." So I don't shop there. This is something that applies to all spheres of life.
Sometimes in desperation—for a change
in circumstances—we say we’ll pay “whatever it costs.” But that’s a dangerous declaration
to make before you determine what you’re getting into.
Large crowds followed Jesus because they
liked to hear Him preach, plus He gave out free food and healed their sick. But
He told them to count the cost. Becoming His disciple is not something to take
lightly, because being a Jesus follower has a price tag. We have to be ready,
when there’s a question of loyalty, to choose Him over work, possessions, even
our family.
God doesn’t want us to become
Christians based on an emotional appeal or fear of hell. He wants us to check
the price tag and come to Him with eyes wide open, ready to commit to Him to the
end, no matter what.
Jesus said, “Suppose
one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the
cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For
if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it
will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build
and wasn’t able to finish.’
“Or suppose a king is about to go to
war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is
able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty
thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation
while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In
the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my
disciples” (Luke 14:28-33).
On the other hand, Jesus also
challenges us to look at what we will miss
if we’re not willing to choose Him. When we compare the hardships and
sacrifices believers make here on earth to an eternity without God or anything
related to Him—forgiveness, freedom, love, friendship, beauty, peace, hope, music
and so much more—it’s the deal of a lifetime!
Literally.
Plus, Jesus isn’t like a life
insurance policy that only pays after death, the benefits begin now.
I can’t imagine going through pain,
loss, grief, sickness, confusion, or any other heartache without the comforting
presence of the Holy Spirit to help and guide me. I also have a family of Christians
all over the world whose prayers and encouragement give me strength and joy. I
know my life has meaning and purpose; I know I am loved; I can have peace even
when I don’t understand why things happen the way they do.
If you’re questioning whether or not
you want to choose Jesus, I encourage you to evaluate the pros and cons before
you make your choice. Your eternal destiny and the costs involved are worth careful consideration. Just don’t wait too long to choose.
#countthecost #wanttobeaChristian #nomatterwhatthecost
#Luke14 #thinkbeforeyoubuy
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