Count the cost...

I wonder how many times we think about what Jesus said in Luke 14:28. Do we truly count the costs before we begin something new, or do we tend to jump in saying "it's God's will so He'll provide." Of course, if it is God's will, He will be faithful to provide for your needs. However, there is a cost. A cost for getting saved, a cost for winning the lost, and a cost for living righteously. Do we count those costs?? Furthermore, do we ever actually pay those prices?? In our physical world we are conditioned to find the cheapest, easiest way from point A to point B, but I don't see that as being God's plan. Look at the very means by which we have salvation. Jesus came, lived a PERFECT life, died on a cross, rose again, and lives today at the right hand of the Father. That was not cheap or easy...in fact, nothing has ever cost more, or been more difficult. He lived a perfect life - how incredible is that alone?? Then, He willingly died on a cross so that you and I could spend eternity with Him. The thing that we forget so much is that in His death, He had to go get the keys to death - and we are worried about what our co-workers may think of us if we share the gospel with them...that's embarrassing.
I wonder, too, if we allow others to count the costs. When we witness to people, are we so eager to put that notch on our belt that we discount the need to count those costs for themselves. I had a good friend a few years ago, who I have fallen out of communication with, who wanted to count the costs. As far as I know he has yet to turn his life over to God, but he knows. He knows what it means when he does - and I am fully confident that he will. You see, when people get the full picture, it may look daunting at first, but they've got the full picture. sooner or later the costs seem to dim, and the prize grows. Take for example a teenager who starts taking marijuana. In that time the cost of giving up drugs is too great for him. When he gets older, however, the cost may be giving up joblessness, hopelessness, and despair - to gain eternal life. Once the luster of the sin wears off, then Jesus looks that much brighter. Encourage your unsaved loved ones to count the cost. Weigh out what they will be giving up to follow Christ, and decide if it is worth it. As long as we as Christians are doing what we are instructed to do, I am confident that they will see that the cost is minute compared to the gain.