Cost of Discipleship

Unusual building in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Did the builder change his mind...
or just not count the cost?

"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!' Luke 14:28-30

Meditate. Consider planning and figuring out the cost of a project and what you want to accomplish.

 

What will discipleship cost you? Time, money, effort?

What is the first step in building a building, a bridge, or a relationship? For a bridge or building, you must plan and evaluate the need for a bridge. Is there a need for a relationship—or building a better relationship? Of course—we all need others in our lives—connections with other people. Even people who are introverts, need other people. It is a basic human instinct—although there are some true hermits and loners in this world. Even more important…we all need to have a god in our lives. Even atheists have things they worship. Our Christian God is one that wants to be worshipped exclusively. I believe in Him as the creator and savior of the world and I seek to worship Him exclusively, just as He commanded.

In building a relationship, choose the right person…or God…with whom to build a connection. Since we are born into a family, we can’t choose our family, but we can choose our friends and the god—our God whom we worship—to get closer to. That first step—choosing—is important. Decide with whom you want a deeper relationship. You don’t want to worship the wrong God and you don’t want to be in relationships with the wrong people—druggies, selfish whiners, or those who are abusive, either mentally or physically. Choose your friends wisely and teach your children to do that, too.

What do you learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I want to build my relationship with You…and with others around me to ultimately bring glory to You.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Portions reused from January 3, 2023, Banquet With The King blog.

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.