When I am making a major purchase, I always sit down and estimate what the cost will be. I am concerned that I will have enough to pay the bill. I did this with my most recent car purchase, but I have been known to do this with lesser purchases, as well. I confess that when I go to a restaurant, I always read the menu from the right to the left. I do not always choose the cheapest, but I do always consider the cost.
In Luke 14:28, Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?” He goes on to describe how a king going to war must consider the cost of his smaller force against the enemy’s larger force. All this is to illustrate the cost of discipleship. The cost of discipleship may involve taking up his or her cross in order to be a follower of Jesus, who took up his own cross.
All of us as Christians should consider what the cost of following Jesus might mean. To follow Jesus will at least mean that what we want or what serves ourselves best can never be the first consideration. Sometimes following Jesus may mean sacrifices, big and small. It may be inconvenient, challenging, and even at times, dangerous.
It was so for Jesus and it may well be for us, also. Sure, there will be rewards, but there will be costs, as well. In our Christian behavior, great and small, we are well-served if we count the cost.