“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.
Luke 14:31-33
Jesus is still talking about the same thing. Same topic, different illustration. Note the difference between the illustrations. Which of you who desire to build a building (tower). . . vs which King will intend to go to war . . . In the first example He is talking to the people related to building a building. What sort of tower? It could be just a watch tower over the vineyard for example. Or it could be a much grander structure which people can see for miles around. Are you interested in building yourself a monument, a kingdom and empire? Don’t even bother: remember the Tower of Babel. It’s not about your glory; it’s about His.
Notice the end result of the first illustration. Laughter and ridicule. Calculate well. Do your research and figure out if you can do this. Which of you would do it without calculating the risk first? Answer: No one. Put your resources to the best use. Play life like you play chess: keep a number of moves ahead. If not, you will severely miscalculate. The point of the first illustration for ordinary people is not “It’s better not to begin than to begin and fail.” Failure is not the issue here. Planning and a sound assessment is. The moral of the first story is “Its foolish to begin without due consideration.” Get all your ducks in a row first.
Notice in the second example there is no “of you”. This second example is not about the people but about the leaders. Remember, much of what has transpired before this has been about the leaders – the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. The King depicted here is not already marching to war. In his going or in other words in his intention to go to war, would he not gather his counselors and weigh up whether this is a good idea or not? Especially when the odds are stacked against you. 10,000 of his troops against 20,000 of the enemy. Outnumbered 2:1. Mmm, think about it. Don’t do anything rash, foolhardy or lacking judgement. Don’t act precipitously. Seek counsel. If you don’t think you can pull it off, then ask for terms of peace. It will cost you of course, but that’s better than losing all in a foolhardy venture.
Who has been foolhardy here? Remember the foolish excuses? Jesus is talking about the leaders of the nation here, who seem so intent on going it alone. They think they know what is best. They don’t need counsel. They are the leaders. Mmm, foolish foundations on which to stand. When you are leading, you need all the resources you can muster. Don’t leave any potential asset out. Many leaders are foolish and think they know it all because they are the leader. Have you heard the adage: “two heads are better than one”? We must always be open to the wisdom that comes from below as well as from above. God gave you staff, followers. Use all the brains you can get as you lead. I have told staff before, I am always open to their ideas. If I wasn’t I would be a fool. If a leader keeps saying no to the ideas of his followers, eventually they will conclude there is no point telling him / her anything. They never listen. Good leaders will bring the body with them. Sometimes taking a risk with a new idea, just to show that there are channels upward as well as downward. To not do so, is to risk losing a major asset you have: those you lead.
Now let’s return to the leaders in question here. What is this all about? It’s about who’s in control.These leaders are totally closed to any advice from “below”. They know it all. In this case the advice seemingly from “below” is actually from “far above”. The Messiah, the One they know all about and are waiting for, is speaking to them but they totally miss it. That must be the ultimate in folly. Not only are their excuses moronic but their actions are too.
“You cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.” What does this mean? Does it mean to be a disciple of Christ you must give everything away? Sell your possessions, give away all your money, jeopardize your families’ future and live like a beggar? No, just give Christ full control of your life and possessions. Let the Boss (the Big Boss) take over. Place yourself and your allegiance under His command. Be continually ready to yield anything and everything to Him at the mere hint that He requires it. You will never be disadvantaged. After all, it’s all His anyway. As a leader you are just a steward, of people and of things. Don’t give it all away. Rather, keep all the tools and resources well cared for and available, waiting for the moment when what He has given you, is called upon to be used in the service of the Kingdom.
In Ancient Greek marathons, a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finishing line with their torch still burning.
Bob Gass
The true goal of leadership is not to cross the finishing line first, but to take as many others with you as you can.
Bob Gass
Leadership is the art of building people and making them successful.
Leroy McGinnis
The value in living is in letting your life count for something. Pay the price – count the cost – make a stand!
Brian Houston
I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
Anon