Count the Cost

We’re constantly being bombarded with commercials, commercials, and more commercials. Food, beverages, travel, cosmetics, etc., etc., all tempting us with fulfillment of  our personal needs. Most ads go way beyond basic need fulfillment,  offering a wonderful, new and improved life.  Take pharmaceutical ads for a good example. What we “see” is an individual suffering from depression, high blood pressure, psoriasis, or osteoporosis.  Enter the miracle drug/cure, and the visual picture changes from hopelessness to vitality and joy.  What our eyes perceive is all good, but turn away from the screen next time and “hear” the commercial.  When you listen, the picture is a lot different.  The announcer, in his most comforting voice, begins the long list of side effects; blood clots, heart issues, bone disease, worsening of conditions and suicidal thoughts!

 I was prescribed one of these “miracle” drugs, and after reading up on the horrific side-effects, I declined.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against medicine, but I want to be fully informed of what I can expect both positively and negatively,  then it is my decision to “count the cost“.  Jesus told his apostles, before following him, to count the cost as well. I love that about him, he doesn’t want blind, robot-like believers, and he lays the facts on the table, leaving the decision up to us individually.  Take for example this scripture; “"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? …..In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Luke 14: 26-33.

Jesus isn’t casually handing us a delicious looking ice cream cone, he wants us to know all about it’s fat, additive and calorie content before we accept. He, above all, knows that the cost of discipleship can be steep, perhaps including  loss of family, friends, job, health and even life. Conversely he wants to make clear the benefits; a  Holy-Spirit filled, supernaturally empowered life on earth, and eternity with him in Heaven.  Don’t grab for any old, pill or ice cream cone that the world offers, read the fine print carefully, and choose wisely.