Failure of Christians to Count the Cost

Have you asked yourself this question in sincerity and truth?

Recently, as I was reading, meditating, journaling and praying (yes I encourage Christians to do all these together), I found myself writing out a prayer that caused me to pause and reflect - “Am I truly willing to dedicate my entire life to God?” This is one of those questions that everyone who claims to be a “Christian” needs to take time and reflect on. Because, sadly, the answer for far too many is no. Let me explain.

There is a common saying among the Christian community that, “if you want to follow Jesus, you have to count the cost.” This idea can be found throughout multiple places in the Scriptures, but one of the most prominent is Jesus’ words found in Luke 14:25-33. The problem I find is that too quickly many who proclaim to be Christian are eager to say “yes, I am willing to count the cost.” Why would I say too quickly? Shouldn’t we want people to be willing for Christ? Absolutely! But there is often no truth behind this response.

As with many common Christian statements, it just sounds like the right thing to say. Sometimes this is done in pride to look good to others or to feel good about oneself. But sometimes it is done because the person wants to believe it (even if they don’t). So let me ask it another way. Are you willing to lose your Job for Christ? Are you willing to be hated by those around you? Are you willing to be in poverty? Are you willing to get arrested, to be called racist, to be slandered? Are you willing to die? It doesn’t mean all these things will happen, but are you willing for them to happen because of your commitment to Christ?

As I was praying to God in confession and desiring to be wholly dedicated to Him this week, I had to stop mid prayer. I had to pause and spend real time meditating on what I was praying. “Am I willing to dedicate my entire life to God?” When you begin to truly understand what that mean’s it can be rather terrifying. I had to spend some time in real honesty - searching my heart and throwing out the “what I’m supposed to say” for “what is the truth in my heart - am I willing?”

I am going to share a few lines from the prayer I wrote down, something I don’t often do, but I am doing so in hopes it helps someone understand my thoughts:

“…God, I dedicate my life to you. As I try to count the cost on what that might result in I’m terrified. But what is my life if not in you, Father? I know I will faulter. I know I need your help. But I truly give my life over to you, God. So please have patience as I wrestle against earthly desires and please guide me to follow your will no matter the cost. I am yours, my gracious redeemer! Do with me as you will - but I know your will will come true no matter what, so pleas help me joyfully submit and follow it. If it is ministry, so be it. If it is poverty, so be it. If it is a job I hate, so be it. Please just help me follow your plan with joy, submitting without hesitation no matter the cost. Please help me not be terrified but excited and full of love!…”

There are so many people who claim to “follow Christ.” So many who say they have counted the cost and are willing. Sadly, so many proclaiming Christians don’t actually follow Jesus and aren’t willing to count the cost. Many people live in a very dangerous place. A place where they tell themselves and others they are Christians because it makes them feel good and moral, they believe it gives them a “safety net,” they think it makes them look good, or they don’t want to disappoint their parents or spouse. No matter the reason, many have convinced themselves they are going to heaven because of what they have decided - this has often been referred to as “fire insurance.” Unfortunately, not only is this unbiblical, its the most dangerous place to ever be - the false believer, going along as though you are saved but are not truly in Christ.

So I plead with you to ask yourself in honesty, “am I truly willing to follow God no matter the cost?” If so, praise God!! If you don’t know or if the answer is no, your honesty means more than you even realize! I hope that honesty draws you into prayer and God’s word. Let the fear of the Lord resonate in you and drive you closer to the one who saves.

Need help finding a faithful church that will preach truth to you? Start here at the 9Marks church finder website (I am totally unaffiliated with them, but they are a great resource).