Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit
down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if
he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will
ridicule him. Luke 14:28-29 (NIV)
In the book, 9 Things You Simply Must Do, Dr. Henry
Cloud presents a principle called “Play the Movie.” The idea is that when we
think about doing anything, we should stop to consider what might result from
our actions.
Everything that has ever been constructed, written, created or devised
started with a thought. Everyone who ever does anything puts some thought into
it, whether a lot or very little to none.
Counting the cost means to examine a thought and carry it forward to
its logical conclusion. Let’s say that today I think, “It sure would be nice to
have a new car.” Then, I play the movie forward. I drive to the car dealer. I
wheel and deal on the car. I sign the paperwork. I slip in behind the wheel. I
inhale the new car small. I drive it home. I notice the admiring gazes of
people that I will never meet. I explain the car purchase to my wife. (How will
that go?) My insurance premium goes up, but so does my self-esteem. Then, I
receive the first of 1000 easy monthly payments. Now, I have a sick feeling in
the pit of my stomach. It’s a feeling of hunger and regret. I have a new car,
but we can’t afford groceries. Well, maybe we will look even better being ever
so lean in the new car.
After playing the movie forward, I begin to admire my current car.
No payment. Low insurance costs. Kids can eat. A shot of Febreeze mimics the
new car smell. Whew, I dodged a bullet. (Please understand that I’m being
facetious. No complaints here.)
What ideas are you having today? Take a couple of minutes to play
the movie forward. If you don’t resolve the conflict you face, what will
happen? If you walk out of this relationship, what will happen next? If you
move forward on the decision in front of you, who will it affect? Be honest.
Count the cost.
To make
a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:
To
subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog:http://galatians419.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment