Before You Commit, How Do You Count the Cost

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES Doing Business With God

Before You Commit, How Do You Count the Cost By Rick Warren — Apr 17, 2015 “It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost.” (Proverbs 20:25 TLB) When you have a major decision to make, the Bible says you need to count the cost: “It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost” (Proverbs 20:25 TLB). Every decision has a price tag. You have to ask yourself what your decision will cost in four areas: time, money, energy, and relationships. I am basically giving you permission to tell people, “I’ll get back to you.” It’s OK to ponder and count the cost. Don’t be pressured, because there is a law of life that Proverbs and Ecclesiastes teach: It’s always easier to get in than get out. It’s easier to get in debt than out of debt. It’s easier to get into a relationship than out of a relationship. It’s easier to fill your schedule than fulfill your schedule. It’s always easier to get in than get out.  Luke 14:28-29 says, “If you want to build a tower, you first sit down and decide how much it will cost, to see if you have enough money to finish the job. If you don’t, you might lay the foundation, but you would not be able to finish. Then all who would see it would make fun of you” (NCV). Before I started Saddleback Church I had to count the cost to me in terms of time, money, energy, and my family. The first year budget of Saddleback Church that included all staff salaries was $60,000. I knew that there would be sacrifices that had to be made in the startup, and I had to ask myself, “Is it worth it?” Oh, yeah — it’s worth it! Knowing that thousands of people are going to be in Heaven for eternity through the ministry of Saddleback Church makes it all worth it. So here’s the question you need to ask when you’re making a major decision: Is it worth it? Count the cost before you commit. Click here to play today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick. Talk It Over Why do you think it’s important to count the cost of a decision in terms of your energy? In what decision do you need to tell others, “Let me think about it”? How do you think they will respond? What makes a decision that will cost you a great deal of money, time, and energy worth it? Our Gift: Christians In the Workplace Study Kit Do you want to earn more than just a living? You can, because God planned a ministry for you through the work you do. It doesn’t matter what your job is — a manager, a stay-at-home mom or dad, a doctor, a teacher, or a sales clerk — paid or volunteer. No matter what your daily routine looks like, God wants to use your work to minister to others. LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren Doing Business With God teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: The Purpose of Work Message 2: The Work God Shaped You to Do Message 3: Making Wise Decisions at Work Message 4: Standing Out at Work PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe