Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - Gas Pains and Expensive Trips - #8079

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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The last time I filled up with gas, I told the lady I was paying that I had a severe pain in my wallet bone. She said, “Do you want a receipt?” I said, “No, I don’t want to remember this.” See, we Americans are some of the drivingist people on earth, but we’re finally slowing down a little. I mean, I’m thinking twice about starting the old buggy; reconsidering trips based on how expensive it’s going to be now. And I know I’m not alone.

I’m Ron Hutchcraft and thinking about how much it’s going to cost you. That’s an important part of making any important decision. You know, a lot of people have squandered a life that matters on some decisions where they never thought about how expensive it was going to be ultimately.

Here’s what Jesus said, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost and see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-30 ).

Here’s how to make a no-regrets decision. These words from Jesus, “First, sit down and estimate the cost.” Hey, this may look good right now, but what’s it going to cost my family, my reputation, my financial freedom? Is it going to cost me people’s trust in me? My self-respect? What’s it going to cost me in having time for the important things or my relationship with God?

Most of us look back on some past decisions that brought a lot of pain, and we wish we’d stopped and counted the cost. When you do, you may decide the trip will cost you more than you can pay, and you’re not going to go there.

There’s more practical spiritual guidance at our website. It’s ALifeThatMatters.org, because God put you here to live a life that matters.

This radio program references: Luke 14:28-30