Have you Counted the Cost?

The cost of what? I hear you say. Well… of a number of things. The full cost of a holiday, the full cost of a decision you need to make, the full cost of an extension you plan to do to your home. Whatever! Are you one to sit down and plan it all out? Sometimes I am and sometimes not, but I think in everything we do it is better to first consider the cost. Even to enjoy the benefits of the sunshine , you have to consider the cost! What will it do to your skin? By the way, the cost does not always mean money as you will see as you continue reading.

I remember seeing in my home country the construction of some massive buildings started in earnest. Even in some small communities one could see an unusually big house being constructed only to see some time later big trees growing in them! The home owner had not counted the cost of completing the building! In some cases I think the money spent on such a big foundation, could in fact be spent on erecting a smaller house from start to finish. What sorrow and depression this must cause!

I am reminded of a text in the Bible in Luke 14 v 28 onward where Jesus in one of His teachings discusses this very matter. He suggests that no one in their right mind would decide to build a big tower without thinking first of whether they had the resources to complete it. I agree! It would be ludicrous to think of embarking on such a mammoth task having not considered if one is able to afford to see it through to the end.

We can take counsel from this and endeavour to use this as a guide when we have decisions to make. Like I have said it is not always just about the money. So think carefully with every decision you need to make. What will be the cost of leaving your job? What will be the cost of going on an alcohol binge? What will be the cost of following a healthier lifestyle? What will be the cost of becoming a Christian? What will be the cost of leisure pursuits? A one night stand, is it worth it?

Finally, the cost is not necessarily negative. It just means weighing up the pros and cons and seeing the benefits of what you intend to do. So my humble opinion is: always count the cost. After all, it makes sense to do it.

A good example comes to mind: Usain Bolt is now weighing up the cost of retiring now! I am sure he is even toying with the idea of going for a fourth Olympic Games! What would you suggest? If he carries on, he must consider whether he is taking on too much. Can he sacrifice his pride to try one more time since he already said he wouldn’t? What if he has to be carried off on a stretcher? He must consider whether he is willing to face those possibilities. I know what I would suggest! Do you?

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xoxo