Count the Cost
There is a cost to everything that we do and our lifestyle choices produce results and consequences. Human ambitions often bring about success and accomplishments. We have to determine the cost to our family life, health and our relationship with God. Contrary to popular belief we cannot have it all and some areas of our lives tend to be affected by our choices. At times our family life can suffer at the cost of economic success and career development for example. Other times it is our spirituality and relationship with God that is affected by other choices made for success.
Jesus spoke to the multitude about the cost of being a disciple in Luke 14. Jesus spoke of every person being willing to take up their cross and following after him. He said in verse 28, For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Jesus continues that if the man starts the tower and then is unable to finish it, others may mock his attempt to start something he could not finish. Jesus used the parable to show that the decision to follow Christ and to live by his example comes at a cost (Luke 14:28-30).
Living a life for Christ determines the choices that we make daily. We cannot make the same choices that everyone else makes. We have to constantly deny those desires that do not come in alignment with the will of God. We have to consult God about our plans and decisions and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Choices made for God can at times appear on the surface to be unpopular and not as enticing. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Living for God is the best way to live. He leads, he guides and protects. He leads us besides still waters and prepares provision for us. He teaches us to win and to profit and trusting in him guarantees that our plans will prevail. There is a cost to living for God, but the benefits outweigh the cost.
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
February 27, 2021February 27, 2021
