Count the Cost
As a child, something always intrigued me. I remember a tall, brick smokestack in our neighborhood. On it were the initials of a college—a college that was several miles away.
Now, this old smokestack didn’t get there by itself. Someone built it before the early 1960s. Was the college supposed to be built there originally, and then some donor came along and gave the funds to build it elsewhere? I don’t know, but the memories of that smokestack came rushing into my mind with today’s Bible readings.
Much like that abandoned smokestack, Jesus says that no one builds a tower, unless they have first counted the cost. Otherwise, like that smokestack, people wonder what happened. Why wasn’t it finished? (Luke 14:28–30)
Jesus says that everything has costs associated with it, from family relationships to construction projects to warfare. Before beginning a construction project or going to war, one must consider the costs and benefits.
In the business world, executives develop a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether or not a single dollar should be spent on a project. They consider not only the budget to build, but potential roadblocks that could increase costs. Environmental impact studies are conducted, asking questions like, “How might wildlife or local water sources be affected?” “What infrastructure will be impacted?” “What variables could changing weather conditions create?” “How long will it take to complete the project?”
Before confronting a military opponent, experts conduct similar analyses to draw up battle plans. Reconnaissance is conducted to determine the enemy assets and locations. Topography is explored. Infrastructure is analyzed. Enemy alliances and their possible responses are weighed. Variables of all kinds are considered in an attempt to mitigate loss—loss of time, money, assets, and, most of all, life.
Remember now that Jesus begins this entire section speaking of family relationships. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” Notice that word “hate.” It gets tossed around a lot these days, doesn’t it?
Our English word, though, might be a bit strong for the Greek word Jesus used. Yes, the word means to hate, but it also has a softer meaning: “to regard with less affection, love less, esteem less.[1] This commentator adds elsewhere, “He is not teaching to abhor one’s parents but emphasizing that love for Christ must be far greater than love for family.”[2] The point is that the greatest affection, the first allegiance must be for Jesus. (Matthew 6:33) Yes, the Bible continually emphasizes the importance of family relationships, but our relationship Jesus must always be top priority.
Application
A few years ago, a cousin of mine built a house. No big deal, right? People build houses all the time. This house, however, was constructed in a remote area. For construction equipment to even be moved into position, roads had to be built so that utility trucks could install power lines. It was a very extensive and expensive undertaking to build this house that was located at the top of a mountain.
Before my wife and I were married, I dreamt of what my ministry might look like. When I suggested one aspect of my dream, she told me very matter-of-factly that if I was serious about that direction of ministry, she wasn’t interested. Her response forced me to ask a question: Was this God’s calling for me or was I merely dreaming? I never pursued that path. I knew that God had brought us together. Choosing her was more important—way more important. I counted the cost of being with my future bride, and the benefit far outweighed the cost.
Does the benefit of following Jesus, being His bride, outweigh the cost? Absolutely—every single time!
[1] Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words, Zondervan, 2006, p. 1213.
[2] Ibid. p. 322.
© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman