Counting the Cost

I was at Best Buy in Eagan on Thursday getting some items for the church.  As I went in I noticed a number of small tents lined up on the sidewalk by the entrance.  I wasn't aware of the imminent and much anticipated release of the Sony PlayStation 3.  It was chilly out, and would be even colder at night, and these kids were camping out in order to be among the first to buy a PS3. "Wow," I thought, "couldn't they just be patient for a week or two and save themselves the cold night on the sidewalk!"  But it was worth it to them because of how badly they wanted a PS3.

I started thinking about what we'll do when our desire for something is so great that we'll sacrifice for it, and it made me think about how I live out my pursuit of God.

Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost...." (Luke 14:26-28 NLT)

We often think about the price God paid for us, as we should with incredible gratefulness, but it's also vital that we count the cost so that we can live our life with the proper perspective.  We are not our own but bought at a high price, and there is something we seek that is without comparison...to know God, to be His, and to do His will.  This doesn't come without laying down our lives daily, and our stuff.  This doesn't come without cost, and nothing is more worth it.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him...."  (Philippians 3:7-9)

So whenever the PlayStation 4 comes out...and we see kids camping out to get something they want really badly, join me in being challenged.  What do those around me see me doing that shows how really badly I want to know Jesus and serve Him?

Comments

[Future Pastor Wiegand]

It's a struggle, Except for me it's do I put my faith in the unseen. I also, can be a little materialistic or alot at times. Also, now for me I can get very busy and my imagination needs to grow so I can sense God face to face.

[Dianna]

Your comment about others observing you and seeing how much you love and want to serve Jesus got me thinking! I need to show Christ's love each day, even if not always talking verbally about him, but through my thoughts and actions.