Math was never my favorite subject. In high school, I always took as few math courses as possible and even found a college major that required absolutely no math classes. The longer I live, however, the more I understand the value of math. Though I still do not understand much above long division, I am amazed by all the problems that are solved and accomplished through math. Yet, this kind of math is not what I am learning to be of greatest value. It seems that the most valuable math is actually pre-school math.
The most basic understanding to the world of numbers begins early in childhood. Before algebra or trigonometry, multiplication, or even addition, children begin by learning to count. How they learn may vary as well as the exact age it happens, but counting is typically the beginning of children’s exposure to math and important as they progress math skills.
JESUS’ INVITATION TO COUNT
Though counting is the most valuable type of math, we often do not do it well. In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus told a story about a man who was considering building a tower. Jesus said anyone in that position would count the cost of building the tower to ensure there were enough resources to complete the project. Otherwise, there would be an incomplete, worthless structure testifying to the foolishness of the builder. Jesus said that “counting the cost” is of critical importance. If the cost is counted, the tower can be built to the glory of the builder. If not, disaster will surely loom ahead.
Think of all the ways His words are true. It is important to count the cost when considering making a significant purchase. Many people have learned this hard lesson after getting into suffocating debt by buying things they could not afford. We also count the cost as we decide how late we stay up at night to still be able to accomplish the tasks we have the next day. How many of us have neglected our devotional time with God because we did not go to bed early enough the night before. The television show was good, but was it worth the cost?
WILL YOU COUNT THE COST?
Counting the cost is a part of our daily life, whether intentional or not. Every time we say yes to something, we say no to something else. If I commit to eating lunch with a friend at noon on Tuesday, I have just said no to everything else for noon on Tuesday.
Jesus says we should always count the cost, and His point was directly related to following Him. It matters that we count the cost of our finances and calendars, but it is especially important we do so concerning our spiritual life. Discipleship comes at a cost. When we say yes to Jesus, we say no to other things. The sure way to fruitlessness, frustration, and defeat is to try to live as a disciple of Jesus without counting the cost. We must put our pre-school math to work, count the cost of discipleship, and live our lives for the glory of God.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.