0514. COUNT THE COST
COUNT THE COST
Luk_14:28
Man is not a mere creature of circumstances, like a plant. Christ expects us to act as reasonable men, and to sit down and count the cost before starting any very serious undertaking. This "tower" referred to stands for beauty, safety and prospect, and is applicable to all "character builders" (Luk_14:27). We cannot count the cost until we have first the vision of some great possibility before us. No wise man desires his life to end like the tower of Babel, in shame and confusion. To live the Christian life is indeed a great and solemn undertaking. Many begin this tower and seem not able to finish, bringing themselves into ridicule, and the tower into a laughing stock. Count the cost.
I.-THE COST OF BEING A CHRISTIAN. It is costly. It costs some more than others. Natural temperament, early training and environment may influence greatly. Whatever the price, it must be paid. We must count on-
1. GIVING UP ALL SIN. Christ gave Himself for us that He might "redeem us from all iniquity" (Tit_2:14). Sin is the worst of all investments. Every scheme in which it has a place is rotten. The wicked must forsake his ways.
2. SURRENDERING THE WILL. "What wilt Thou have me to do?" must be the attitude of the soul. We must count what it will cost the self life to put Christ first in everything, and to seek first His Kingdom.
3. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD. We are to go after Him bearing His cross (Luk_14:27). By His cross the world is to be crucified unto us, and we to the world (Gal_6:14). When we find our all in Christ it is easy to give up all for Him. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
4. OPPOSITION BY THE WORLD. The world that hated Him will hate you also. Noah by his work of faith condemned the world (Heb_11:7), and no doubt the world condemned him. Abel had to suffer because his works were righteous. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
5. TEMPTATION BY THE DEVIL. The ungodly are not tempted as the Christians are. Through the lust of the eye and the pride of life he still offers his subtle illusions. But Christ is able to deliver and succour the tempted.
6. SELF-DENIAL. "If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself." The Christian life is a life of faith in the Son of God, and so must be a life of self-denial. "Not I, but Christ." Christ counted the cost when He came forth to live the life of the Father among sinful men. As the Father sent Me, so have I sent you." But consider also-
II.-THE COST OF NOT BEING A CHRISTIAN. If the soul’s wealth of capacity and power is invested in the things of this world, utter and eternal bankruptcy will surely follow. Can you afford this? The business of a Christless life is an awfully expensive one. He shall suffer loss. What a loss! The loss of-
1 The Forgiving Love of God the Father.
2 The Saving Power of Christ the Son.
3 The Comforting Presence of the Holy Spirit.
4 The Assuring Promises of His Holy Word.
5 The Joy of Service in His prevailing Name.
6 The Blessed Hope of seeing Him, and being like Him.
7 The Glories and Rewards of His Everlasting Kingdom and Presence.
Count the Cost. What did it cost the prodigal to come? His rags and his wretchedness
Autor: James Smith