green plant in clear glass vase

, | 06 Jun 2022 | by GEM

Counting the Cost

by Angie Raineri

Key Verse:  And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

– Luke 12:15, ESV 

In the weeks before Easter this year Pete and I were preparing to move, once again, across the world and back to the US and trying to figure out the financial cost(s) of things.  Do we ship?  What do we ship?  Is it better to ship, or to sell here and buy new there?  At what point do the advantages outweigh the financial costs?  So. Many. Questions.

As I stressed over these shipping questions, the Lord and I had a conversation.  He reminded me (again), that He is in all these details, regardless of what we choose to do with our material possessions.  He also gave me the reflection verse below saying, “You have left, three times over, your mother, father, family, and belongings (abundance or not) to follow me.  Why would I not be in the details of this fourth move?”  Thanks, God.

This was a good conversation and gentle reminders from God.  However, as He and I talked about these details that He was in and controlling, He brought up another thing saying, “It’s been paid for!  The total cost: it’s covered!”  And He wasn’t talking about the shipping costs.  God sent His one and only Son to die on a cross, for my sins (past, present, and future), to only be raised again three days later to be seated at the right hand of God the Father.

As I sit here writing this reflection, trying to figure out all the details of moving, and confessing my stresses and anxiety, my sins, to the Lord, I know I am forgiven because of the True Cost that has already been paid.

Reflection Verse

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them,“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

–  Luke 14:25-26, ESV 

Reflection Questions

  • What does it mean to you to “count the cost”?  What is Jesus saying to you about this?

  • How can you assist non-believers to know the True Cost of following Jesus?