The Bible offers financial advice to help you experience financial independence. Anxiety about money matters takes an enormous toll on mental and physical health. The Bible addresses our attitude toward it.
In Luke 14:28, Jesus lays out the terms for followers. He talks about goal setting and lays out a plan to follow when planning the future. Jesus knew many followers wanted the benefits of what he did rather than the desire to serve. They loved his gifts, not the life.
Counting the cost means recognizing and agreeing to terms. Jesus noted, “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Renouncing means we let go emotionally so that what we have no longer owns us.
To press the importance of the sacrifice, Jesus notes that a man wants to build a tower, so he sensibly begins by deciding if he has sufficient funds. If he builds the foundation but runs out of money before it’s complete, he will not only have wasted his money but will also be subject to ridicule
Jesus speaks about the importance of planning and considering the cost before undertaking a task. This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship. The message is that just as a builder must plan and prepare, followers of Jesus must also understand and be willing to accept the sacrifices and commitments involved in being His disciple.
We must be willing to accept our commitment to our budget and financial independence just as the disciples had to accept their sacrifices.
Numerous people have a solid foundation built on biblical readings. But that doesn’t mean they have considered what sacrifices they’ll need to make. Being aware of the steps to build a strong financial foundation is key. To stop building on that foundation is risky. We need to continue even when challenges are all around us.
It’s a reminder to approach significant decisions in life thoughtfully and to be prepared for the challenges that come with them.