But don’t begin until you count the cost. 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. Luke 14:28-29
The first observances of Lent were meant to be a time of reflection and preparation before baptism. I imagine that candidates might have actually asked themselves if they really wanted to do this. To accept the rigors of being a disciple of Jesus. To “take up one’s cross,” to quote Jesus. If they asked this question, it was worthy to do so.
The question was certainly on Jesus’ mind. On various occasions Jesus would tell his disciples about the choice he had made to go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of his opponents, and die on a cross. He knew the cost and accepted it fully.
Jesus knew that his disciples also had to know and accept the costs they would pay if they continued to follow him. Warning them, he said, “Don’t begin [to build] until you count the cost.”
No successful marketing firm would ever try to sell a product by starting with a warning. “Here’s what the annual cost of purchasing this product will be.” Or “here is what you will have to do to keep this product running well or looking good.” In the West, we want the outcome being promised without the cost and discipline of using the product. “Just give me the beautiful smile without all the flossing and brushing; I don’t have time for that.”
The best thing that baptismal candidates could consider is the cost of the decision.
Prayer: Father in heaven, Thank you for the reminder of what it means to be a Jesus’ follower. It defies all Madison Avenue strategies and calls us to live authentic and sacrificial lives. Please fortify our resolve and help us to live in such a way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.