Counting the Cost

I have turned over "another new leaf".  If I am committed to growing spiritually. It will mean Bible study and prayer, fighting discouragement, reasonable expectations, being honest with myself and others, and commitment to grow. It is nice to read about spiritual growth, but applying it is something else. Application needs commitment or it won't last very long. This is where the rubber meets the road. Danger exists in humanly counting the cost of commitment. Being obsessed about the cost may cause me to focus on the "how" instead of the "why", and make me retreat from the depth of inward commitment necessary. With too little human commitment, my desire for growth fades away. However, there is safety is spiritually calculating the cost. When the price of growth is spiritually counted and the cost is absolute surrender to Jesus Christ, then biblical paradoxes take on new spiritual depth! Servitude brings greatness. Weakness brings strength. To live is to die, and to die is to live. If I give whatever is necessary spiritually, I will receive the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and what is so important, maybe I will inspire commitment in others. Spiritual growth within will be a reality!