Jesus once said of being a disciple, “You’ve got to count the cost.” (Luke 14:28-33)
But there are also other things for which we need to count the cost. And we need to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m pursuing worth the price I’m paying?”
Solomon wrote,
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13)
And again,
All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. (15)
In other words, the state of our hearts will determine the amount of joy we have in our lives.
If we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts, it will reflect in our faces and will allow us to enjoy the gift of life God has given us.
But if we are constantly weighed down by the things of the world, and if we’re feeling oppressed by the Enemy, it can crush the very life out of us.
We see an example of this in verses 16-17.
Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Some people pursue money thinking it can bring them happiness. But instead of money bringing them the joy they expected, they find trouble. They’re always worrying about the stock market and the state of the economy.
Or they work ungodly hours to the detriment of their family life. Their wives are always complaining of being neglected and their children resent Dad never being around.
Not only that, because of the all the time they pour into their work, their health also suffers because of lack of sleep and the amount of stress they go through during the day.
On the other hand, other people don’t have a lot financially, but they’re at peace with God and with their family.
They may not have all they want, but they have all they need. They have food on the table, a place to sleep, and clothes to wear. More than that, they have family that loves them.
What are you pursuing? Have you counted the cost? To your health? To your family? To your relationship with God?
Is what you’re pursuing truly worth the price you’re paying?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 