Count the Cost

Jesus said He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). There is a sense among most American Christians that that means we're supposed to have an easier life. Discomfort is not on our approved list. A difficult time, a death in the family, a lost job, an illness, most difficulties at all are not allowed and if they come we will complain. That includes collisions with God's Word. "Well, yes, it looks like it says that, but I don't like it, so it's out."

What a contrast with Jesus's own instructions.

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:26-28)

Now there's a harsh collision between Scripture and American Christianity. Paul promised, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12). And we're thinking, "Better not be." James wrote, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4). We'd rather be imperfect, thank you very much. Peter wrote, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation" (1 Peter 4:12-13). We'd prefer to pass.

Jesus warned about counting the cost before we commit to something (Luke 14:28). The cost to follow Christ is death to self. It will include suffering. Oh, the benefits are many and far exceed the cost. But we need to know that it's not an easy thing and we need to accept that ... as good from the hand of God.