In Luke 14:28-33 Jesus explained what He meant by counting the cost. Verse 27 says, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Then He gave two illustrations for counting the cost. One intending to build a tower, and a king going to make war. Then He challenged them with His words in verse 33. “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” As I thought about what He means by forsaking all, this acrostic popped into my mind.

Simply

Engaging

Lustful

Flesh

That brought me to question myself. What am I clinging to that I need to forsake? Here is another question. What clings to me that I have not shaken off? What am I sowing without counting the cost?

Twice in the Luke passage He addressed being His disciple. My immediate verse about being His disciple goes to John 15. Verse 8 says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” Now let’s couple that with John 8:31-32. It says, “…If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Let me highlight my recap of one piece of disciple-evidence. As we abide in God’s word it becomes our experiential truth. It is the abiding that bears much fruit which glorifies the Father. Intimate communion (abiding) is enveloped in love that nourishes our whole being. He communicates to our heart which affects our belief system.

Have you counted the cost lately? I listened to some leading neuroscientists talk about the brain. Neuro connections are key to mental health. Bitterness drips acid on connections that erode them. Negative dialogue creates toxicity. Our brains are so masterfully created! We need to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us.

James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to take every thought captive. When we disobey, we are in sin. Sin blocks heart to Heart communication. The Lord is pure and holy. We purify our heart when we hide His word in it. Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the Lord are pure words…” 

Matthew 5:8 Amplified says, “Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous–possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward circumstances) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!