“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 14.28-35
Sometimes I feel the meaning of Scripture can get lost in translation. I’m currently in the mountains of Costa Rica, unplugged and without access to commentaries. Since this entire passage is one continuous segment spoken by Jesus, I sense the pieces are meant to connect. Yet as I read it, I struggle to see the link between building a tower, a king preparing for war, giving up everything to be His disciple, and the warning about losing our saltiness.
So why am I even writing? What could I possibly have to share with those reading these words? Fair question. Let’s explore it together.
I believe the common thread is this: wisdom and intentionality matter. Building a tower requires counting the cost upfront. A king going to war must carefully consider whether he can prevail against a stronger opponent. In the same way, following Jesus as a disciple demands thoughtful deliberation. We cannot rush in willy-nilly and expect success. Sometimes wisdom requires humble submission, as the weaker king does when facing a stronger force. We must honestly assess our own strength and weakness.
And what is salt that has lost its saltiness? It becomes tasteless, worthless mineral. To be salt means being purposeful, sharp, and set apart. Without Christ—without learning from Him and following Him as His disciple—we lose our purpose. Therefore, our dependence and reliance must be on Him, while we also keep our wits about us. We are called to be wise, discerning, thoughtful, and clear-eyed. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Following Him is what matters most.
As we wrap up this camp in Costa Rica, I am being stretched to my limits. I’m weary, the camp has not unfolded quite as I expected in terms of leadership, and I’ve been with the same group for nearly a week. Yet in this moment, I must keep my wits about me. I must continue following Jesus, displaying His fruit and reflecting His nature. I must be a little Christ—an imitation of His glory.
As I wrestle with this Scripture today, my takeaway is a renewed desire for deeper devotion to the King. I want to advance His Kingdom, make disciples, and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for this experience. I am but clay in the Potter’s hands. Make me holy, loving, patient, and true. Help me keep my wits about me so that Your glory might be revealed in my life and in the lives of those around me.
“O Lord, I am a vessel of Your love and power. I pray that my family would one day be able to join me on these ministry adventures. Let me reflect Your glory so that people might see and experience Your love through me. Come now, Holy Spirit—fill my life. Help me know the truth. Help me see all people as Your children and give me strength to lead with love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen