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THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
“For which of
you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and
estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to
finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This
fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king,
going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down
first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to
oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he
cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a
delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none
of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your
possessions.”
This parable reminds me of an adolescent
experience. I did not grow up Lutheran. My family belonged to a
non-denominational group. During our annual religious
convention, attended by members from all over North Carolina,
those who wished to accept Christ were invited to stand. When I
was about 12, I knew that God was calling me, yet I refused the
call. I feared that I would have to give up too many things I
enjoyed. So I sat, trembling. Several months later, after much
soul-searching, I became a Christian. This time, I didn’t count
the cost. Instead, I gave myself over and experienced tremendous
peace and joy.
I believe this willingness to give God
control of one’s life is what Jesus means when he tells his
disciples, “None of you can become my disciple if you do not
give up all your possessions.” Perhaps he does mean to sell
everything ― as he instructed the rich young man who wanted to
join the kingdom. But maybe it means to “let go and let God.” We
do not lose control of our lives, for we are finally freed from
sin’s bondage to enjoy them. Nor do we become poorer in doing
so. Everything we have (including our lives) already belongs to
God. We share in spiritual richness as we become God’s children
and Jesus’ siblings!
Father, thank you that our price to be your
children is so small since your Son paid the ultimate price. And
we thank you that the rewards are so great. Amen
Dr. Eunice Doman Myers
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