For which of you intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it, will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

“Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.” (Luke 14:28-32)

No builder builds a large structure, said Jesus, without first assessing whether he has the resources to finish it. No general goes to war without first assessing the strength of the enemy. Likewise, no one should begin the journey of discipleship without counting the cost of that journey and the personal price that may have to be paid.

Sit down, says Jesus, and determine whether you have what it takes to follow him. It may cost you a great deal—more than you have bargained for.

 

 

take up your cross