Count the Cost

 This article was originally published here, on July 23, 2009.

"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 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?" (Luke 15:27-28).

Jesus' words should give us pause. We should allow them to sink in and affect our hearts. The call to Christian discipleship is the call to bear a cross and follow Jesus. Thus, our evangelism should reflect this reality. Instead of calling people to make a "decision" for Jesus or to invite Jesus "into their heart," we need to call them to take up their cross and walk as Jesus walked.

It should not surprise us when people "decide" to trust Jesus. It probably shouldn't thrill us either. Jesus warned that there would be many who hear the gospel and receive it with joy, but whose response would not true faith and repentance (see Matt 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20).  What should thrill us is when a sinner repents and turns to Jesus. It should thrill us when the fruit of their lives is not merely verbal expressions of faith, but faithful obedience that perseveres through trial and tribulation. For it is at the repentance of sinners that heaven rejoices, not at the decisions of men (see Luke 15:7, 10,). Repentance is a change of mind. Even while Jesus urged people toward faith and repentance, he encouraged them to think about the implications. Starting the journey of faith avails us little, if our faith is does not make it to the end.

Jesus asks, "Who does not sit down and figure out if they have the ability to pay for a tower they wish to build before they begin the project?" If they start, without careful thought and planning, and fail to finish they will become a laughing stock. Likewise, the person who "professes" Jesus, but does not continue to follow him will also become an object of ridicule.  Do you remember the day that you turned from your sin and placed your faith in the crucified, risen, and ascended Savior, Jesus? Looking back can you see it was like taking up a cross? Have you followed Jesus since that day? I'm not asking you if you are still in church, nor am I asking if you still "believe" in Jesus, even the demons believe in Jesus. I'm asking if you are walking in humble faithful obedience, by the grace of God and for his glory? Are you a different person than you were back then? Can you see the fruit of Christ in your life (see Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet 1:3-11)?