The Burning Question:
When did you commit a random act of Kindness?
Morning Devotional:
How Much is it Going to Cost?
My wife Kris has recently been thinking about maybe going back to school. She has applied to some colleges, she’s chasing down transcripts, and she’s filling out FAFSA. I am all for it. If we can figure out a way to do this, we are going to do it, but the biggest question is the one we are having the hardest time answering, and that is simply, “How much is it going to cost?”
This question of cost isn’t limited to college. It’s something we encounter throughout life. Whether it’s deciding to buy a new home, invest in a new car, or even just planning a family vacation, we often find ourselves asking, “How much is it going to cost?” But there’s one cost that stands out above all others—the cost of following Jesus.
In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
Jesus is teaching us to consider the cost of discipleship. Following Him requires commitment, sacrifice, and sometimes even enduring hardships. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but it is one that comes with the greatest reward.
When Kris and I think about the cost of her education, we weigh the immediate expenses against the long-term benefits. Similarly, when we decide to follow Jesus, we need to understand that while there may be sacrifices now, the eternal rewards far outweigh any temporary costs.
Philippians 3:8 reminds us, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
So as Kris and I navigate the financial aspects of her education, it reminds me to reflect on the spiritual cost of my journey with Christ. The price of discipleship may seem high, but the value of what we gain in Him—eternal life, peace, joy, and a relationship with our Creator—is immeasurable.
Let’s remember, the most important question isn’t “How much is it going to cost?” but rather, “Am I willing to pay the price to follow Jesus?”
-Ryan
Bible Quiz:
Question:
What King of Babylon burned Jerusalem?
Answer:
Nebuchadnezzar 2 Kings 25:9
Storytime: He is a man of few words.