We say that salvation is free, and so it is, for “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23. However there is a cost of following Jesus, or discipleship, of which He lays out the facts in Luke 14:25-33. First, to hate one’s life and family does not mean to have ill will toward them, rather as the Greek word by extension means, “to love less”, thus every earthly connection must become subordinate and secondary to Him! Jesus illustrates this cost by using two examples; first the one setting out to build a tower, perhaps a skyscraper, sits down and considers if he has sufficient resources to finish it, for to abandon it midway would be reason for scorn; so we must consider the cost and make a purposeful determination to follow Him to the finish line. To abandon the cause midway may not only be shameful to us but may also bring negative reactions toward the kingdom of God! The second thing Jesus uses here is warfare with two kings going to war with each other; the weaker one realizing his resources are limited and he cannot win seeks conditions of peace. If you are fighting against God by resisting Jesus and the call of the Holy Spirit remember you cannot defeat God, you can only defeat yourself! So the logic is to seek conditions of peace, and that condition is full surrender to Jesus as is “spelled” out in Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Taking it another step we understand that the Christian life is warfare; Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil.” Are you willing to armor up? Remember that “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” 2 Timothy 2:4.
Consider the cost
By Rose Hill
When to Jesus your life you’re giving.
Put on His armor for holy living.
If you’re not willing to consider the cost,
Then the way of peace for you may be lost.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.