What Does It Take?
I’ll start by saying: my personal journey is one of spiritual growth. I understand that might not me everyone’s focus, but if it’s not I challenge you to find something you may be able to relate to.
In Luke 14:25-34 Jesus tells his disciples to count the cost of following him. He mentions putting everyone, even your mother, father, siblings and friends behind being the cost of following him and his word. Before following him, he urges his disciples to count the cost to understand what they are getting themselves into. He continues to say, if a builder started construction before counting the cost of it takes to build the whole building, they would be foolish and might find they only have enough money to lay the foundation. He ends his example with this “So you cannot be my disciple without giving up everything you own” vs 33. In return for giving up everything to follow Jesus our supply would be significantly multiplied (Mark 10:39-30)
I first heard this verse while listening to the Blessed and Bossed Up Podcast, episode 162: “Have you counted the cost?”. When I first listened I was focused on the example of the carpenter counting the cost of construction and began to think about it in the context of accomplishing projects. I thought: what exactly does it take for me to reach the larger goals of mine, step by step what do I need and what do I already have? I then went back to the anchored text, Luke 14:25-34, and saw the larger picture. I realized, if I’m trying to change my lifestyle there are inevitably things that will have to change around me. This was a new concept to me but was something I realized was just as important as seeing those tangle steps for the larger goal. In fact, the larger goal is almost impossible without the lifestyle change.
In Practice
It’s clear something has to give to live a better life, whatever “better” may mean to you. We have to be comfortable leaving people behind if they add no benefit to us, our goals, and in my case following God’s Word. It may be hard now, but the results are worth it.
Something that I’ve chosen to give up recently is social media, specifically Instagram and Twitter. I know its a huge distraction. I can think of all the times I woke up and checked Instagram first, or sat scrolling aimlessly on twitter doing nothing but WASTING TIME. I also know social media is so convoluted with uncontrollable negativity and there’s no way I could completely change that. I knew that if I wanted to commit to myself I had to commit to also changing how I use social media. I started with completely eliminating it, to now only going on to look up something specific or connecting with someone I just met. That’s not to say I will never go back on social media (because I’ve opened it to connect with someone), but when I do redownload the apps I will be less dependent when using it.
In doing this I fully understood I would be giving up constantly being in the know. I’ll miss popular cultures trending memes and drama, and also my friend’s life updates. I’ve rested with thinking, if my friend and I are close enough, I wouldn't have to go to social media to know what’s happening. If its an important news update, I’d read about it. I’ve accepted I don’t need to know everything that is going on with everyone at every moment. In turn, the world doesn't have to know my every move either.
For all of us its important to think about what we are willing to sacrifice for our growth. It may be a friend, family member, or significant other, but it could also be bad habits like excessive spending, procrastination, overeating, drinking/ partying, or consumption of media.
Do Something
Think about it — what does it cost to be a better you? Honestly reflect, what are things that might have to be sacrificed?