Count the Cost

“Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? (Luke 18: 28)

It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and despair. Yet, increasingly fewer are doing so. A buy now and pay later mentality has permeated every area of life.

If considering any action, consider what it involves, and can you afford doing it. Consider the cost.

Every action, good or bad, has a resulting cost, which again is either good or bad. Think of the end from the beginning. What will be the result of your action?

Elemental as it sounds, many people do not take this simple and significant action.

Often little things distract us and prevent responsible thought. Some years ago news sources reported 300 whales had suddenly died. It was determined that the whales were chasing small sardines and ended up marooned in the shallow bay. Those little fish had lured those massive whales to their death. Those giants of the sea wasted their enormous powers on an insignificant goal. Don’t be whale-like.

At issue, will the action be harmful or helpful, developmental or detrimental, productive or destructive, honoring to the Lord or dishonoring. Know before you go into an action what the outcome is most likely to be.

Is it an action in which you “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness….”

Consider, for example, spending money. It can be a good thing or a not so good thing. Research has found spending money triggers areas of the brain associated with pain and disgust and that different forms of payment trigger different levels of discomfort. Credit cards delay this psychological pain. Doing so delays facing responsibility. Often when the time to pay comes the responsibility can’t be met and there is despair.

This principle also applies in another area of life calling for a person to act responsibly.  WWDJ isn’t so childish as might have been thought. “Let this mind be in you which also was in Jesus Christ….”

Personal responsibility is a foundation for Christian conduct. Take responsibility for your attitudes, affections, and actions.

Keep in mind this compelling warning, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what has been done, whether good or bad.”  (II Corinthians 5: 10)

“So then each of us will give an account for himself to God.” (Romans 14: 12)

Don’t only count the cost of an action, just imagine the benefit also.