Cost-Counting Christianity

Before we are converted to Christ we have no way of knowing what the cost is going to be. But after having followed Christ for a period of time with an earnest desire to please Him and love Him with our total being, we discover little by little what a cross-bearing, self-denying life means. It may involve choosing a ministry that takes us thousands of miles away from parents, friends, and the familiar comforts of our hometown. Our children may not be able to see their grandparents for months or years at a time. We may live in a simple, small home without air conditioning in a hot, humid, and mosquito infested environment. A family member who is intent on getting a divorce may need to be confronted, and they may not speak to us again as a result. Did we know these things when we came to the living and true God for salvation?

Jesus spoke about these things when He was surrounded by people who were following Him on His journey to Jerusalem to be crucified. Many were professing allegiance to Jesus. So, He does not mince words. The road to glory goes by way of the cross (Lk. 9:51). Those who would participate with Christ in His kingdom must respond to His invitation by believing in Him. The door of opportunity stood open (Lk. 13:1-14:24). For those who are followers of Jesus Christ the challenge is the difficulty of discipleship (Lk. 14:25-35). Here is where Jesus stated in no uncertain terms that the road to glory is paved with commitment and discipline. Growing in Christ (discipleship) means absolute loyalty to Him. Our love for the Savior should be so intense that love for all others would seem as if they were unloved. This is not a condition for eternal salvation, but a condition for following hard after the Lord Jesus Christ. Carrying one’s own cross means a willingness to follow Christ no matter what the cost. This means joyfully accepting any inconveniences in order to share the gospel with non-Christians. It will involve forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply. It includes laying up treasures in heaven and not on earth.

According to the story of the rash builder, discipleship means planning and sacrifice. The construction of a building is not something that should be entered into without careful calculation regarding the cost of the project. A king does not lead his army into battle without assessing the possibilities for victory. What does Christ want? He calls for disciples who take Him seriously and who will not live by emotional impulses. Instead, they give Him uncompromising allegiance. All that they have is at His disposal. Is this a description of our relationship to Jesus Christ? Some professing Christians think that as long as they have prayed a prayer to accept Jesus, that is the end of it. Fire insurance has been purchased. Hell has been avoided and so on with life, to do things our way. But Christ wants all of us all the time. This does not ignore the fact that as Christians we sin, get lazy, and may even deny Him at times (remember Peter?). But we must not excuse our feeble life. God will discipline those whom He loves in order to bring us into alignment with His purposes. He may even have to dispense with disciples who render themselves useless (Lk. 14:34-35). The sinning follower of Christ may have to be ushered out of this life (1 Cor. 11:30).

There will be a cost for living the Christian life the way God intends it to be lived. This reality, though, should not be confused with the free offer of the grace of God in Christ. No one is saved by counting the cost. How can an unbeliever even begin to grasp the significance of placing their possessions, talents, time, and family at the disposal of Christ? Obedience flows out of faith (Rom. 1:5). The lost are called to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The journey on the road to glory begins the moment one is born again. The Lordship of Christ becomes an unfolding experience in countless ways. Discipleship calls for thousands of choices, and they will not always be easy. Counting the cost will require vast quantities of biblical teaching, the guiding work of the Holy Spirit, tears of repentance, and wise decision making. This is not a grim, duty-bound joyless life. It is one of lavishing upon Jesus the gifts of love-inspired sacrifice.

To those who have not come to know the thirst-slaking, hunger-satisfying life that is in Christ, there is indeed some cost-counting to be done. It cost Christ His life in a brutal, blood-spilling death on the cross to pay for sin. There was no other way to pay the debt we owe to God. “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Because we could not pay the cost of our redemption, the Savior paid it. Those who belong to Christ and follow Him count it all joy to live a cost-counting journey to the gates of glory.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church