How Much Does It Cost?

Introduction

There are basically two ways that people make decisions. Some make decisions analytically. They analyze the situation, make pros and cons lists, and rationalize until they come to a decision. Some do this mentally and others do this physically, actually taking a piece of paper to make out the lists. Either way the lists are made about the advantages and disadvantages of a decision. Some make decisions by what their gut tells them. A situation arises and something inside tells them to try one way or the other and they make their decision based on a gut feeling. It is about what is deep down inside of them and what those feelings are telling them to do.

Frankly, we all use both ways at one time or another. Go into an ice cream store, we are not thinking analytically or making a pros and cons list. If we had, we wouldn’t have gone into the store at all. We have 31 flavors to choose from and we have to decide which one or two we will take. Listen to our language: “Today I feel like Rocky Road.” Or if you are Dick Rogers there is no choice. It is always vanilla. On the other hand a major decision is often decided with analytical thinking. But that isn’t always the case. My grandfather was said to suffer from “car fever” every couple of years. Such a “fever” is a feeling rather than pros and cons.

We could go on with examples but you get the point. We prefer to make decisions one way or another—rationally or intuitively. We usually tend toward one way of making decisions. There is a preference but both ways are open to us. Most of the time it doesn’t matter. Of the hundreds of decisions which are made, most are typically of no great consequence. Day after day we make decisions which do not have a major impact on our lives. But when there is a monumental decision then we have to think about the implications and what the long term consequences are going to be. Listen to what Jesus had to say about a monumental decision. [Luke 14:25-35 is read here.]

Cost

When you buy a car, what is one of the questions that you ask? How much does it cost? Unless you are extremely wealthy, we look at the invoice of a car and determine whether it fits in our budget. When you buy a house or rent an apartment, don’t you ask “how much does it cost?” We want to make sure that we are able to afford the expense. And if you are really wise, you consider the cost of maintenance in that question. After all, we all know that the cost of a car or house must also include the cost of driving—insurance, gas, oil changes, maintenance—and the cost of maintenance.

What happens when you don’t know how much it costs? Somewhere along the line you begin to panic. Fear and anxiety set in because you can’t afford the car or house. The following illustration has nothing to do with politics. This isn’t about being a member or supportive of a political party. We have in our country a volunteer military. Do you think the question “how much does it cost” arose before men and women signed on the dotted line. No doubt some signed thinking of the benefits—college paid for, extra cash if they signed up for the reserves, learn a trade. Did the possibility of going to war cross their minds?

Undoubtedly, some signed up wanting to go to war. Others signed for the benefits—the extra cash, the education, the job experience—but war. I have heard some in interviews say “I didn’t sign up to go to Iraq.” They signed up for what they could receive but the possibility of what they would be required of them didn’t cross their minds.

Jesus seeing the crowds wants to make a point. He wants to make sure that these who are following him realize what it takes to continue the journey. While we may not appreciate the warning, that is exactly what Jesus is giving—a warning. He does so using exaggerated language. To be his disciple a person must hate his family and his own life. To be his disciple a person must carry his cross. To be a disciple a person must give up everything. Failure to do any of these means not being a disciple of Jesus. The crowd would have recoiled in horror to hear such things.

What do we do with such things? We tend to downplay their significance. We tend to minimize the words and make them a bit easier to swallow. But Jesus didn’t say these words with a wink and a smile. The word for hate means to detest or abhor. It means to actively detest someone. Some have said that Jesus is saying that we have to “love our family less” than him. But the wording doesn’t allow such an interpretation.

The word cross is a symbol for torture and death. Carrying a cross was the consequence that one had to do as he was being driven to his death. It is a symbol of death and shame. Soften the image and one loses the depth of the warning from Jesus. Give up everything means just that. All material possessions are to be sold. Anything which one possesses and claims as his or her own is to be given up so that nothing will come between you and Jesus. These warnings are not intended to be deflected but are intended to be raw, penetrating statements about the cost of following Jesus.

The question we all have to ask is what does it cost? We often highlight the benefits of following Jesus—forgiveness of sins, guilt free living, eternal life, a fellowship with others who love God as we do. But do we count the cost before coming to Jesus?

Application

How much does it cost to follow Jesus? Everything.

Will it cost me my family? We live in a culture where such doesn’t happen often. But other cultures know this is the case. To become a disciple in Japan means that your family may turn their back on you. To become a disciple in China may mean that the government goes against you. In America, families are casual about following Jesus. The passion required to follow Jesus may be ridiculed or ignored by those who are family.

Will it cost me my life? Not in America. In Malaysia and Laos, it may.

Will it cost me my material possessions? Not in America.

It doesn’t cost much in America to follow Jesus. That’s part of the problem. That’s the reason we focus on the benefits of following Jesus. But let’s be real. Following Jesus will put us in some tough situations. Following Jesus means that no other relationship in this life is as important as our relationship with him. That we understand that we own nothing in this world, but that we are using some things for a short time. That we would rather be alone than be part of a crowd of “friends” who are trying to take us away from Jesus. That we want him more than anything else this life has to offer.

How much does it cost to follow Jesus? Everything. Jesus will give you forgiveness. He will give you a fellowship to enjoy. He will give you strength for life. He will give you eternal life. But what does he require of you? Everything. You must be willing to hate your family. You must be willing to hate your life. You must be willing to die for him. You must be willing to give up all material possessions. Like soldiers in a volunteer army, there are benefits, but there must be willingness to go to war. We must count the cost before we become a disciple.

What did it cost Jesus to become Savior? Everything.

What does it cost to be a disciple? Everything and nothing. To come into God’s family is God’s free gift to us. Forgiveness has already been paid for. Eternal life was secured through the death of Jesus. But to accept these things means that everything belongs to Jesus. Such benefits were purchased through the death of Jesus. To accept the gift means that everything now belongs to Jesus.

At the close of life, the question will not be “How much have you gotten?” but “How much have you given?” Not “How much have you won?” but “How much have you done?” Not “How much have you saved?” but “How much have you sacrificed?” Not “How much were you honored?” but “How much have you loved and served?”

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