Counting The Cost And Paying The Price
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesFor a moment, let’s imagine being able to do anything we wanted to do without having to be concerned about costs or consequences. Just think — we could have success without risk or sacrifice. A happy marriage without having to work at it. An education without taking examinations. What a deal!
Unfortunately, that’s not the way life works. To know the joy of success, we must count the cost, be willing to pay the price of commitment, and learn from our failures (Luke 14:26-33; Luke 22:61-62).
Before Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter expressed his devotion to Him by saying, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). However, when that noble intention was put to the test, Peter’s resolve melted under pressure. Three times he denied that he ever knew Jesus (Luke 22:56-60). He failed the test, but he wasn’t a complete failure. He later reaffirmed his love for the Lord (John 21:15-19) and went on to became a bold witness for Christ (cf. Acts 2-12), willing to be imprisoned and even die for his Lord (John 21:18-19; 2 Peter 1:14).
Our commitment to Christ will be tested as well. Along the way, we may falter and need to be restored. Sometimes we will have to pay a price — suffering rejection or loss (such as rejection of family and friends). But the only way to know the joy of Christ’s approval is to give our lives without reservation to Him (Luke 14:33). When we do, He will work through us, as He did through Peter, to encourage others in their commitment to Him (Luke 22:32).
Related Article:
- Counting The Cost Of Discipleship