Weighing Up the Cost

So before a long journey I am always diligent in checking my petrol levels.

Luke 14:1-35

Reference:  v.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?” (NIV Bible)

Explore:  I hate the thought of running out of petrol.  When I’m driving in my car I’m always conscious of how many kilometres I have already driven and how high, or low, my petrol gauge is showing.  My wariness of petrol is heightened when I am driving through the countryside.  There are fewer petrol stations along the road and less houses to ask for assistance.  So before a long journey I am always diligent in checking my petrol levels.  There are many times in our lives when we need to prepare thoroughly for our journey to be successful.

Application:  In Luke 14 we hear of four separate stories of people weighing up the cost.  Just like I need to weigh up my petrol levels, Jesus also asks us to weigh up the sacrifice of what it is to be a disciple.  This isn’t something we just enter into lightly but a lifetime decision.  We need to weigh up the cost – are we willing to give up everything for our faith?  When you look at it that way, being stranded on the side of the road with no petrol seems like a tiny concern.  Our relationship with God far outweighs a successful car journey.  It is so important that Jesus teaches us that we must weigh up the cost of what that might mean for us.  Only you can answer the question: what does discipleship cost me?

Prayer:  Lord, you gave everything for us.  May we consider the cost on our lives to follow you.  Amen.

What does discipleship cost you?

Luke