Count the Cost

     When Jesus taught about counting the cost his real concern was not about architecture or construction.  He was concerned about our relationship with God and encouraged us to think things through.  Jesus knew that most of us refuse to think about the things that really matter.  Luke 14:27 reads …anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. {28} "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?
     Jesus challenges us to think about what it means to be a faithful disciple. The word “disciple” in the original text is the word MATHETES.  The word literally means a follower or learner.  Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines this word as “to learn (from the root math-, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor.”  The first part of the definition is widely known, but the second part is also important.  Disciples, pleasing to God, are those who do not simply follow, but learns the will of God and puts it into action. Christ wants us to count the cost of being a disciple. What then does it cost TO be a Christian? EVERYTHING!  What does it cost NOT to be a Christian? EVERYTHING! God gives us a choice, but there is only one right choice.

---

Clark Tatum