Text: Luke 14:28 KJV
Further Reading: Luke 14:28-33
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:28 KJV
MESSAGE
Everything has a cost – for every value derived from any goods or services, there is a prize paid. Likewise following the Lord Jesus will cost you something. Although we live in a Christian society that tries to erase this truth but cannot. The reason why many derail on their Christian journey is a lack of proper evaluation of the cost of following Christ.
It all boils down to asking serious questions like: “Is Jesus really worth it? Can I risk all for Him? Can I stake my all on Him? And many other questions.
One old testament saint who knew this principle once said, “I will not offer unto the Lord that which cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). In the same light, the new testament saints must be aware that there are sacrifices to make for following Jesus.
The first cost we want to look at is self-denial. It is the obvious truth that “self loves self”. This means that a follower of Christ can not please himself but the Lord. By all indications as Apostle Paul pointed out, his life no longer belongs to him but to Christ (Galatians 2:20).
This also implies that old none sinful habits can be asked to go. Everything now for Christ. It is no longer I but Christ. It is a life totally surrendered to God to lead and protect, a life yoked with Christ. As the hymn writer perfectly puts it, a Will totally lost in Christ’s.
This is the first cost that must be counted. Believers who will live above the natural life and grow in the supernatural must have to take up this position of absolute surrender and allow Christ to work in him or her both to will and do his pleasure.
This honestly means everything is on the table and if Christ asks for it, it is Christs. Nothing of self is allowed in this sacred walk with Christ. Have you counted the cost of self-denial? If not, You must today.
REFLECTION
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 KJV
Following Christ will cost you yourself, are you willing to deny yourself? You must be willing to say No to those things you want but He disapproves and say Yes to those things He wants even when they are not your choice.
PRAYER
Father, No matter the cost, please help me follow Christ till the end.
