May 5th, 2015
Count the Cost
Text: Read: Jer. 51:20-23
Keynote Verse:‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-‘ (Luke 14:28).
The profession of a soldier is dignified though many don’t envy it in those days because it is about sacrifice. As a soldier, you have to count the cost and lay all down including your family and life for the sake of your nation. In those days when the world was characterized by occupying lands through physical combat, soldiers were always on the move because they were the battle axe for their nations. It is a lonely journey with sacrifice and suffering every step of the way. Yet, Christians are considered as soldiers of Christ. That’s really serious! As a soldier of Christ, have you count the cost. Jesus asked: ‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-‘ (Luke 14:28). One of the problems facing Christianity today is that we have many followers who never count the cost and are just following without defining or understanding that followership requires paying the price. God has given unto us all that pertain to life and godliness according to our knowledge of Him (2 Peter1:3-4), hence it is important you understand that God is interested in your living for Him just like soldiers don’t live for themselves but for their nation. No wonder Apostle Paul confessed ‘it is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me’ (Gal. 2:20) and ‘for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Phil. 1:21). You don’t have a life of your own again. So it is time to lay all at the altar of Christ Jesus and take up His yoke for the calling unto which He has called you.
Self Reflection: Meditate on ‘O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways’ Proverbs 23:26 (NLT)
Action Point: Examine yourself and list areas where you have not fully surrendered to Christ. Ask Him to help you as you submit to Him in all ways.
Daily Confession: Prayer of Commitment – Dear Jesus, I choose to follow You regardless of the cost for I know You are present to help me.
Hymn: I have given all up for Jesus This vain world is naught to me
