COUNT THE COST BEFORE YOU BEGIN

"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?  Luke 14:28 NLT

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?  Luke 14:28 KJV

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

There is a cost to following Jesus, but I would also add there is a greater cost in not following Him. Whatever you give up to follow Christ will be more than made up to you in this life and certainly in the life to come.

Jesus said, "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. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?" (Luke 14:27–28). In other words, "Don't do this on the impulse of a moment. Count the cost."

Yet some people who set out to follow Christ haven't counted the cost, like a businessperson who rush into a business to start a business. Once you start a business, it serious long term commitment.

The Bible records the story of someone who saw Jesus walk by and blurted out, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus had not called this person to follow Him; he just volunteered. So Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head" (Luke 9:58).

Sometimes in the impulse of the moment, someone will say, "I will follow Jesus," but they don't follow through on that commitment. They didn't count the cost.