Luke 14:28-31 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [Revised Standard translation]
Biblical Comment
The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully think about the what we need to accomplish, to consider our strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate our present situation and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. Two examples are given.
The first example is that of a person wanting to build a tower but who has not planned ahead or taken the necessary steps to complete the job. The vision was there. In fact, the vision is even lofty! This person does not want to just build a mere house, but a tower! But the execution was weak. Perhaps the person started building without a blueprint (because he thought it cost too much), or underestimated the cost of the building materials. Perhaps he did not evaluate his own strengths and weaknesses and did not take into consideration the physical or psychological sacrifices that he or others would need to make to complete the task.
The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. This example suggests that the stakes are high. During Biblical times losing a war, would not only mean the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. The whole kingdom was impacted. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken into captive as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason the king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.
It always pays to consult GOD first.
Planning For The Holidays
Web MD provides a number of planning ahead tips for maintaining good health during the holidays. Some of these planning tips include the following:
- Never Arrive Hungry - New York psychologist Carol Goldberg, PhD, says planning ahead can help you maintain discipline in the face of temptation. "Don't go to a party when you're starving," she warns. Try to have a nutritious snack beforehand. If you do arrive hungry, drink some water to fill up before filling your plate.
- Divert Your Attention - Many people forget that there's more to a holiday party than food, Goldberg tells WebMD. "Don't look at the party as just a food event," she says. "Enjoy your friends' company or dancing. Focus on something other than food." "Take your mind off of food and focus on the conversation."
- Pace Yourself - Chewing more slowly will fill you up with less food…Munch at a leisurely pace, put your fork down between every bite. “This puts you in control.”
- Outsmart the Buffet - When dinner is served buffet-style, use the smallest plate available and don't stack your food; limit your helpings to a single story. "Go for the simplest foods on the buffet," "Fresh fruits and vegetables are good choices. Watch out for sauces and dips.
- Limit Alcohol - Avoid drinking too much alcohol at holiday parties. "It's not just about calories but about control," Finn explains. "If you drink a lot you, won't have as much control over what you eat." If you feel out of place without a drink, Goldberg suggests sipping water or club soda, "so you have something to carry like everyone else."
- Bring Your Own Treats - Whether you're going to a friend's party or an office potluck, consider bringing a low-calorie treat that you know you'll enjoy. Bringing your own dessert will make the more fattening alternatives less tempting. And don't feel your dessert has to be typical holiday fare. "Get away from rigid thinking about what holiday food has to be," Goldberg says. "People love fruit."
- Walk It Off - Make a new holiday tradition: the family walk. Besides burning some extra calories, this will get everyone away from the food for awhile. "Get people off the couch and move," Finn says. "Go out for a walk as a family before or after the meal." She says walking not only benefits you physically but also puts you in a mindset to be more careful about what you eat. "There's something about activity that puts you in control."
See, “10 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain,” by Susan G. Rabin MA and Louise Chang, MD, www.webmd.com.
What is Your Vision From GOD?
Vision is important! Proverbs 29:18 tells us “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” And, Luke 14:28-31 reminds us that every vision requires careful planning, preparation and wise counsel.
What is your vision? Is your vision to have a strong, healthy body? Is the vision to build a strong financial “house?” Is your vision to be a disciple of CHRIST? Is your goal to present your body a fiscal, spiritual and physical sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to GOD? (Romans 12:1).
If so, plan ahead! Fight for your health! Treat your health like a detailed battle plan –creating ways to fight the “enemy,” such as those suggested above.
Create a spending plan for the remainder of the year and pray fervently. Consult GOD about giving—remembering those in need.
Consider your Christian discipleship. Consider the costs and the rewards. Consider what you are prepared to do to make sure that you, the children in your life, and your friends and family celebrate ‘HOLY days’ and not just “Black Friday,” cyber Monday, or “Shop and Spend Tuesday through Saturday.”
If necessary, put the credit cards on ice (in your freezer) if your spending is out of control.
Pray and seek GOD’s counsel. Divert your eyes from all of the commercial ads appearing on your computer, on TV, in movie theatres, or in store windows.
If you are in the process of building or rebuilding or need to recommit to your plan, consult a master planner and builder-- GOD! Ask HIM to be the “CHIEF CORNERSTONE” of your “strong tower.”
Let’s join together to pray for our world and all of the world’s leaders. The stakes are high for all of us!
Let’s ask GOD’s for HIS wise counsel and HIS direction.
Let’s surrender our plans for HIS plan and BE BLESSED!
