May 26 Know the Cost

Luke 14:28-33 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 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. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
 
WHEN Barb and I moved into our current home, we decided to add screening to our back porch. We wanted to be outside without the mosquitos! The question was: Should we do this ourselves or hire someone? To decide, we counted the costs. We looked at an estimate for tools and material. There was also a potential cost to our relationship – would we still be talking to each other when it was done? Third, we considered the cost of quality. How would it look when two amateur builders did this? Then we counted the cost of a professional screen company. Considering all the costs we had discussed, we decided the professional way was the most cost-effective way. As a result, we thank God for this often-used, comfortable and attractive addition to our home.
    But what would have happened if we had not done this? Perhaps we would have begun, but it would still be unfinished because we would view, “The cost is too much.” Jesus teaches us to be sure we understand the cost of discipleship. His’ “count the cost” teaching here immediately follows, “anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Jesus teaches that as one prudently count costs of a building project or a leader counts the costs of war, we must count the cost of being a Kingdom Builder and a Kingdom Warrior.
    Be prepared and faithful to join Jesus. And know it will cost you. Consider and plan for the best way God directs you to fulfill Jesus’ call to be his disciple. Be humble to know that as Barb and I needed building help, so do you. Being a Kingdom Builder and Warrior is not a do-it-yourself project. On your own, you may start well. But too many obstacles will discourage you. You may even argue with other builders and inhibit other warriors because you do not work together with a common goal
    Eagerly, confidently and wisely, seek God’ help to be Jesus’ disciple. Pray for the Spirit to strengthen you. Pray for expert guidance from experienced Kingdom Builders and Warriors. Be humble, strong, true and courageous, even as the cost may be your life. Faithful to God, receiving his power, your work will become a joy for many.
    A well-built disciple’s life shows to others how attractive it is to dwell in the house of the Lord.
 
Prayer: I am ready for the work you have assigned to me, Lord. I pray for your expert instruction to be a Kingdom Builder, a Kingdom Warrior with you. Amen.