Count the Cost Before You Build | Wednesday

Devotional

Before a builder breaks ground, they sit down and do the math. Before a general goes to war, he assesses his army. Jesus uses both of these pictures in Luke 14 to make a simple but serious point: following Him requires honest reckoning before you commit.

This is not meant to scare you away. It is actually one of the most respectful things Jesus could do. He is treating you like an adult. He is saying, "I want you to know what you are signing up for, because I want you to actually finish."

What does counting the cost look like practically? It means being honest that following Jesus will sometimes be inconvenient. It will challenge your priorities, your relationships, and your comfort. It means letting go of the idea that faith is something you add to your existing life without it changing anything.

But here is the other side of the ledger: count the cost of not following Him. What does a life look like that is built on anything other than Christ? Jesus says you cannot afford to be apart from Him, and when you look honestly at the alternative, that becomes clear.

Counting the cost is not pessimism. It is wisdom. And the conclusion, every time, is that following
Jesus is worth everything.

Bible Verse

"Jesus answered Him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again He cannot see the kingdom of God.'" - John 3:3

Reflection Question

Have you ever honestly counted the cost of following Jesus, and equally, the cost of not following Him?

Quote

Count the cost of whether or not you can afford to be apart from Christ. And the answer is no, you cannot afford not to follow Jesus.

Prayer

Father, give me the wisdom and honesty to count the cost of following You. And remind me today that You are worth far more than anything I could ever give up. Amen.