Counting The CostSample

COUNTING THE COST:

Have you ever made a trade that you regretted? Maybe you traded a Pokémon card with someone and immediately regretted it, or traded something of value for something that – later – you realized was not worth it. Jesus talks to His followers about “counting the cost” of following Him. Have you ever thought about what it would cost to really follow Him with your life? Following Jesus costs something. In Luke 14:33, Jesus even says it costs everything. 

You probably could think of a time that you made a trade you regretted, but have you ever made a trade that you were excited about and didn’t regret? Maybe you got a great deal or purchased something on sale that was much more valuable than what you gave in exchange. In Matthew 13, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God as a treasure and a pearl of great value. In both cases, the people gave up “everything they had” to get it. For the man who found the treasure in the field, Jesus said the man sold all he had with great joy! Following Jesus has a cost, but when you begin to experience the Kingdom of God in your heart and in your life, you begin to realize that the cost is nothing compared to the peace, meaning, and joy of following Jesus with everything.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

- Jim Elliot, missionary – martyred on Jan 8, 1956 at age of 28

Action Point:

Think about the things in your life that would keep you from following Jesus completely. Jesus said, “whoever wants to [follow Me] must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me”. Make the decision to follow Jesus with everything you have and all that you are. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it!

Question(s):

What is the biggest thing that you’ve held onto that is keeping you from following Jesus with everything?