WHAT IS THE COST
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INTRODUCTION
What is the cost is the attributing factor to the success, or failure, of any action being undertaken and durable with the influx of godly intervention. The Book of Proverbs reveals: There is a way which seems right to a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 15:12). Oftentimes a path that looks inviting may not always be the best or righteous way.
The Book of Genesis gives a perfect example in revealing that Lot (the nephew of Abraham) lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere. Lot chose all the plain of Jordan and dwelt in the cities of the plain, pitching his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12).
Scripture reveals: The men of Sodom were wicked and sinners (sinful) before the Lord exceedingly (Genesis 13:13). Sodom was known for its wickedness; with the title of this message “What is the Cost” amply illustrated by Lot and his costly choice.
What is the Cost
Lot in Sodom
Sodom is mentioned numerous times throughout God’s Word in reference to wickedness. The attractiveness of the plain of Jordan, being well watered, important to any herdsman, first drew Lot, who later found himself in the midst of the wickedness of Sodom which included homosexuality still being practiced and promoted today.
Apostle Peter vividly portrayed “What is the Cost” in his descriptive narrative of the fate of Lot in Sodom: God delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked; for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:7-8).
Peter identified the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, in writing: God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that afterward should live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6). Scripture reveals that Lot, and his family, were delivered by the hand of God thanks to Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:23).
Ungodliness Flaunted
What is the cost of residing in an environment similar to Lot? Is the attraction of such a nature that one may linger as reported of Lot just prior to deliverance (Genesis 19:16) or his wife looking back, even after being delivered (Genesis 19:26), despite the warning not to do so?
In our modern day setting the attraction towards sinful attributes are amply displayed through the Internet and other electronic means readily available to all who desire participation. It was noted that sin will take you where you never intended to go, keep you longer than you intended to stay, and cost you more than you intended to pay.
The enemy of one’s soul, Satan, will enhance the attractiveness of sin, as he did Eve, through the serpent, in the Garden of Eden. It was noted that upon seeing that the forbidden fruit was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired of, she did eat, and gave to her husband (Adam), and he did eat (Genesis 3:6). Ungodliness today is being openly proclaimed, and accepted, through displaying its appetizing features rather than expose the penalty for having partaken of its allurement (Romans 6:23).
Counting the Cost
Apostle Paul wrote: Being made free from sin, and become servants (dedicated) to God, your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life (Romans 6:22). He then elaborated on continuation of sin without repentance: The wages (cost) of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:22-23). It is noted that the penalty of sin is death, both spiritual and physical.
It is noted that people who die in their sin (in an unsaved state) will have to face a second death portrayed as a lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), a literal burning hell from which there is no escape, except to receive the gift of eternal life through repentance and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ before death.
We live in a time when “What is the Cost” is not being promulgated as it once was. Acceptability of the previously unacceptable, is being promulged through a progressive social gospel that does little, if any effort, to condemn sinful lifestyles.
An Inner Struggle
Apostle Paul identified an inner struggle, in writing: I delight in the law of God after (according) to the inward man; but I seen another law in my members, warring against law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. He cried out in despair: O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death (Romans 7:22-24)?
Paul acknowledged who his Deliverer was: I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:25). His desperation was eased through acknowledgement of who his deliverer was.
World of Indifference
What is the cost when allowance is made to partake of the sinful nature of man in a world of indifference towards the things of God? The attraction of ungodliness is promoted on a daily basis through television, movies, and other means of conveyance that do little, if anything, to promote godliness or decent morals.
Indifference promotes the gaiety of ungodly lifestyles as healthy and desirable without reproof because of the profitability of promotion. Failure to promulgate the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God has been costly; with the question “What is the Cost” amply displayed through an avalanche of ungodliness being at one’s fingertip; upon choosing to consume its attractive and lurking nature.
Scripture reveals: This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; every one that does evil hates the light (enlightenment), neither comes to the light (repentance), lest his deeds (evil) should be reproved (exposed) (John 3:19-20). Those who openly oppose the evilness of our day will find themselves as little David opposing the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49).
Loss of Recognition
What is the cost needs to be recognized by those who have placed God in the background; those who prospered when recognition was given. The Prophet Isaiah noted such a time: You have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the rock of your strength (Isaiah 17:10).
God has made a provision, through His Word, towards repentance of any nation, or individual, found in such a condition: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face (forgiveness), and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith.
A Disciple of Christ
Jesus asked, which of you, intending to build a tower sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it (Luke 14:28); referred to one being His disciple. It was noted that taking up the profession of Christ and the Gospel is like building a tower, to be done with thoughtfulness, care, and prudence; bearing in mind it may be costly, a call of self-denial, loss of former carnal relation with others, and being exposed to the scorn and rage of the world.
In reference to what is the cost, Jesus stated: Whosever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27). There are many allurements towards worldliness and earthly gain; making it especially important to remain steadfast and unmovable in one’s commitment to Christ. Apostle Paul wrote: Be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain (futile) in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Salvation of the Soul
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world (you and I), that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17). Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
What is the cost is emphasized towards losing out on eternal life and a heavenly gain. Scripture reveals: He that believes on him (the Lord Jesus Christ) is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-19). The choice lies with each individual as to their final destination (Heaven or Hell).
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