It’s not just the fact that time is money.
It’s about just how valuable time is anyway in regard to the things we use it for. Wasted time is tragic because money may be around but that time is lost. Lost never to be regained again.
I often read the aspect of Jesus challenging those who would follow Him to count the cost. The reasons He gives for counting the cost are very interesting.
What strikes me though is that whether we follow Jesus or not, we will commit to something. It’s not often that we’ll be able to see the whole picture and know the price of what we invest in, but we will invest in something or someone. People get married and part way through they wonder if it was worth it. People start a job and as they get into it wonder if it was worth it. Throughout life we’re making commitments and when the going gets tough we often have second thoughts.
When considering the cost of the commitment to Christ, it often appears to be the costliest commitment of all. Chiefly because it is the costliest commitment of all.
Unlike any other commitment, the dedication to the Lord is all consuming. An appeal to following Jesus that is just about being relaxed in the fact that you’re saved and just waiting for the sweet by and by neglects the entire example Jesus sets. It also neglects the purpose for which we are created. In his epic letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul informs the saints that we are His workmanship created for good works in Christ. The deal includes works. The type of works as well are not relaxed, easy-going kinda works.
If the example of the early church is anything to go by, the works take place in spite of great opposition from within and without. Some challenge them physically while others challenge through emotional and social pressure. It takes the power of God to acknowledge the opposition and carry on.
Therein lies the encouragement to each believer. We are to carefully consider the cost of the commitment. Then by the power of the Holy Spirit we can carry on anyway. The cost never overwhelms the reward that await us. And the prize on which we focus, strengthens us in the way we should go. After all, the beauty of discipleship is that the one we follow equips us to pay the price. We can count the cost and carry on anyway.
This challenge comes to me from time to time. Counting the cost when other demands weigh in heavily. Counting the cost when others pressurise you to compromise. Counting the cost when those around will turn their backs on you. It is not easy. It is sometimes very painful. Tears have flowed, harsh words have been exchanged, sullen silences have been endured and serious misunderstanding have placed heavy strain on important relationships.
I would not be able to pay the price of the commitment on my own. I would not be able to cope by sheer willpower or dogged determination. It is truly by the power from on high that lives within that takes me through.
To that same Source I turn to when it comes to paying that price. To that same source I can rely on to carry me through.
The same Holy Spirit empowers you to look at what lies ahead and so be able to count the cost.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 