What is it Going to Cost You?

            Everything costs something. Look around you. The chair you are sitting in had a price…and the space it takes in your home cost you an amount of money to purchase and maintain.

Consider the situation in the world today—especially between Israel and Iran. Jesus gave some applicable advice. Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. Any president or national leader considers the cost before sending his troops, planes, or drones into battle. War is expensive—in terms of lives, of dollars for equipment and weapons, and then the consideration of the aftermath destruction. Yes. There is an outlandish cost involved in conflicts.

Take up your cross.
Can you trust Jesus to be your Savior?
What is it going to cost you?

What is it going to cost you to become a disciple of Jesus? What are you going to have to give up, do without or leave behind? Jesus tells us in the focus passage below that you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Are you willing to do that? What are you going to gain by believing in Jesus as your Savior and following Him? You will gain an eternity with Jesus and benefit by having the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who wouldn’t want those qualities in their life especially during times of turmoil. We all have turbulent times—some more than others—but Jesus is with us always. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I claim that promise often. For me—the benefits of having Jesus as my Savior and being His disciple outweigh the cost. Have you considered what it is going to cost you to be a disciple of Jesus?

 

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:25-33

 

Prayer – Lord, show me the cost in my own life. Hate is a strong word—but love is even stronger and I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you for being my Savior and guide me as I follow in Your footsteps as Your disciple.

 

Meditate. Consider what it means to be a disciple.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue (salvation), LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. Taw O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. ... O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. Psalm 119:165-170, 174-175

 

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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