28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, "There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!"
31 Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
S - Scripture
33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
O - Observation
Jesus talks about what it means to be a disciple in this passage. His message is clear. It is not a partial commitment (verse 28 to 30). Jesus notes the foolishness of only partially following him. Jesus also mentions that the road will not be easy (verses 31 and 32) and if the road of following Christ is to be taken, total buy-in and ownership is an absolute requirement (verse 33).
A - Application
I have many compartments in my car. A compartment exists between the two front seats, the glove compartment in front of the passenger's seat, and a large compartment in the back called the trunk. Jesus notes that we shouldn't compartmentalize our lives: work, finances, family, friends, activities, neighbors, and church. We are Christ's follower in all aspects of our life: not just when it is convenient or desirable. In the short-term, following Christ can be a difficult decision. We may have to say yes to some things we are uncomfortable with and we may have to say no to things we have previously said yes to. In the long-term, following Christ is always the correct decision.
The application is simple: to bring Christ and the Christian worldview into all areas of my life at all times.
P - Prayer
Lord, I don't want to be a part-time Christian or an almost Christian. I want to follow you in all areas of my life at all times. In the areas where it is easy to say yes to you, increase my joy and let me feel your presence even more. In areas where you are less present, walk beside me and help me to say yes to you and your promises. Amen.
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