Ruined Towers

Luke 14
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 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 has 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.’

Failed Christians are like abandoned, ruined towers. (These ones are in Armenia)

Jesus encourages a person wanting to follow him to understand and consider what it is going to cost to die to himself and serve Christ.

He uses the illustration of a man building a security tower (e.g. Judges 9.51). He may have big plans for his tower and a good spot to build it; and he may imagine defending himself and his family against any enemies who tried to dislodge him from his land. But, unless he is a complete fool, he will make sure he has the resources to build it before he starts! For if he has an incomplete tower, instead of looking like a strong well-defended man, he will be mocked as a vulnerable and stupid man who couldn’t even see the task of building his tower through to the end.

There are sadly many ‘once were Christians’ who are like ruins of towers dotted around the landscape. People who once spoke and acted as if they were going to commit their entire lives to Christ, but who instead went off and spent their lives on other things and could not meet their commitment to Christ. They used up the energies on sex, money-making schemes, entertainment, immature play and they pandered to their own desires. Their lives leaked away along with their faith and they never became strong men and women in Christ who could defend themselves against evil and become strong towers that provided safety for those who depended on them. They bring shame to themselves and dishonour Christ.

· Don’t be the fool who tries to live ‘Christianity-lite’ – failing to perceive what being a disciple of Jesus involves and failing to count the cost.
· Understand that Christ is our highest treasure; nothing comes near to him in worth – even our loved ones. If we really want to bless our family, we will set Christ as our highest aim and worthy of all our lives poured out at his feet. · Build your life up as a strong tower – build it of permanent materials and press on until you reach the full measure of your maturity in Christ.