Counting the Cost
Luke 14:27–28
Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross and come after me, can’t be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
World English Bible
Jesus never offered cheap discipleship. He was honest about what following Him would cost. Before inviting people to join Him, He asked them to count the cost — not to discourage them, but to prepare them.
We live in a religious culture that sometimes markets faith as easy: come as you are, stay as you are, and enjoy the benefits. But Jesus said something different. He said to take up your cross. He said to deny yourself. He said the road is narrow and few find it.
Counting the cost does not mean following Christ is a burden — it means it is a commitment. A builder who starts a tower without calculating expenses will be embarrassed when the money runs out. A disciple who follows Jesus without understanding the sacrifice will be unprepared when the cost comes due.
The cost of following Christ is real. But so is the reward. And those who have counted both know that Christ is worth everything.
Reflect
- Have I truly counted the cost of following Christ, or have I followed on my own terms?
- Where is discipleship currently costing me something?
- Am I willing to follow Jesus even when the cost increases?
Pray
Ask God to give you an honest assessment of your commitment to Christ. Pray for the courage to follow Him fully, even when it costs more than you expected.