Doing the Sums

George Osborn will present his Budget today, and many will be watching and listening for hints of growth or wealth or free hand-outs!

But behind what is presented today will have been weeks of careful (we hope!) 'doing the sums' work, as numbers have been crunched, and trends will have been analysed. As Chancellor of the Exchequer, he has people around him who should be informing his decisions with wisdom and courage. What is planned must be carefully costed, in order not to lead to further trouble.

Jesus told two brief stories for would-be followers of his to consider. 

Here is one of them.  "For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ (Luke 14.28-30)

Too often, people have rushed into following Jesus without working out the implications for their lives. Pulling out or dropping out makes them look foolish, and brings no glory to Jesus. 

So Jesus reminds us all of these requirements. ''And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost.' (Luke 14.27-28)

All of us need to count the cost and 'do the sums', and weigh up carefully what following Jesus will mean in the daily practicalities of our lives. 

I was reminded yesterday, in a thought-provoking conversation, that the Jesus we follow is the one who willingly took up his own cross, and went all the way to death for us. I was reminded that he counted the cost and did the sums - particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane - and so I too am challenged for today and every day to take up my cross - being willing to die for Him! 

Have you being 'doing the sums' for your own following of Jesus?
Best wishes,

Richard