COUNTING THE COST

COUNTING THE COST

(Mat.16:24)

A spiritual leader must be prepared to pay the high cost of serving as a leader.

Counting the Cost

Jesus stressed the importance of counting the cost before you make spiritual decisions using the building of a tower and a king going to war (Lk.14:28-32). It is important to count the costs before you make a spiritual commitment.

Three Aspects of Leadership

Jesus reveals three different aspects of the costs of spiritual leadership:

Considered Costs: (Luke 9:57-58)

Like discipleship, leadership is not an offer man makes to God. It is a call of God to man. If you try to lead by self-effort, you will fail. The cost of leadership includes loneliness (2 Tim.1:15). A leader often experiences rejection and criticism (John 1:1`1). He may also experience persecution.

Proper Priorities: (Luke 9:59-60)

The second man was called by Jesus to "follow.” He wanted to follow Jesus, but it was not his priority. It is a matter of priorities which is stressed in this story. At the critical moment when Jesus calls a man to follow Him and become a leader, nothing must be placed before that call.

In Matthew 16:24 Jesus explained in more detail the importance of proper priorities. Self-denial must come before we can take up the cross. The old selfish and sinful nature must be denied. When self has died, the cross must become your priority. The cross is symbolic of the sacrifice, pain, rejection, insult, and hardship involved in doing God's will.

To take up the cross, you must empty your hands of the things of the world. After denying self and taking up the cross, the next step is to follow. One must leave behind the old lifestyle and sinful relationships. You will never become a leader by sitting and waiting for it to happen. You must take the first steps: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow.

Proper priorities means you must forsake all else to accept the call of God. Serving others must become a priority (Mat.26:26-28). The Kingdom of God must become your main priority (Mat.6:31, 33).

Absolute Aims: (Luke 9:61-62)

The third man wanted to follow, but he wanted to do so on his own terms. His absolute aim in life was not the call of God. Your commitment to leadership must be complete. It must become the absolute aim of your life.

The True Test of Spiritual Leadership

The true test of leadership is what happens when you are no longer present with them. Do they continue to be faithful to what you have taught them? If so, you have passed the true test of spiritual leadership.

A Final Challenge

Always remember your great responsibility as a leader: “A disciple is not above his teacher (leader), but everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Do not be discouraged by problems with followers. If you are willing to pay the high costs to serve as a spiritual leader, it is possible that you, too, can be used of God to raise up committed followers.