Monday, June 18, 2012

Counting the Cost

Today I was working on a "cost analysis" for a personal business plan, itemizing initial costs, labor and comparing against potential incoming revenue.  In our natural lives we have to weigh out costs to see if it is indeed "worth it" to embark on particular business ventures.  We ask questions like, "For what I am putting in, is it worth it?  For what I receive, is it worth it?  If I forsake all, to pursue this endeavor/goal, will the thing I receive in return be of more value?  Will I just break even, or will there be increase?"  How we answer these questions, will be key in our motivation to continue on.  It will impact our desire and ambition to either relentlessly pursue or abandon the project or idea all together.  It is, indeed, the same way spiritually.  Luke 14:27-30 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. From time to time, we take stock and say, "God, for what you're requiring of me, is it worth it?  For what I receive in this life, and in the life to come, is it worth it?"  And what is he requiring?  In Micah 6:8 the word says, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  And even further, Christ said, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23-24)  What are we asked to "put into" this thing?  Everything we have.  As one songwriter penned, "He wants it all."  So, when it's all said and done and I have taken full stock of what I'm investing against what I'm hoping to receive...is it worth it?  I'll offer a resounding, YES! It is so worth it.  Because God's word is true and because the promises of God are yea and amen, I believe it is, and shall be worth it all! Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.  Be Blessed. -J.A.L.

I'm Glad I Counted the Cost
by William J. Henry


1.   When first I started to seek the Lord,
I’m glad I counted the cost;
I fully measured to Jesus’ Word;
I’m glad I counted the cost.
o    Refrain:
I’ve paid the price and obtained the prize,
He saved my soul that was lost;
And now my treasures are in the skies,
I’m glad I counted the cost.
2.   I laid my sorrows at Jesus’ feet,
I’m glad I counted the cost;
And now I’ve pleasures so pure and sweet,
I’m glad I counted the cost.
3.   I’ve bid farewell to this world of sin,
I’m glad I counted the cost;
And now my Jesus abides within,
I’m glad I counted the cost.
4.   I cast on Jesus my every care,
I’m glad I counted the cost;
And all my burdens He helps to bear,
I’m glad I counted the cost.
5.   ’Twill not be long till the Lord shall come,
I’m glad I counted the cost;
And bear my soul to that heav’nly home,
I’m glad I counted the cost.

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