This is part 2 of a 4-part series written by Mike Furmanski about making a fresh start with a change in our mission. Click the buttons below to read other parts of the series.
Count the Cost
Jesus was brutally honest about what following Him requires. In Luke 14:28, He said, "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?"
We don't like this part. We want the inspiration without the cost analysis. We want the victory without counting what it'll take to get there.
In military mission planning, we always assessed the risk. What resources will this require? What will we have to sacrifice? What are the potential casualties? What's the probability of success given current conditions?
If you want to break free from pornography, count the cost: accountability software, honest conversations, cutting off access to certain devices or situations, dealing with the shame and root issues. Are you willing to pay that price?
If you want to get out of debt, count the cost: budget discipline, saying no to purchases, extra work, lifestyle changes, delayed gratification. Are you willing to pay that price?
If you want to grow spiritually, count the cost: time in the Word daily, showing up to church even when you don't feel like it, being in community even when it's inconvenient, obedience even when it hurts. Are you willing to pay that price?
Most resolutions die because people never counted the cost. They wanted the result without the sacrifice.
Identify Your Threats
In mission planning, we identified threats: enemy forces, weather, mechanical issues, terrain. Anything that could compromise the mission went on the list so we could plan for it.
Your mission for this year has threats too. If you don't identify them now, they'll ambush you later.
What derailed you last year? Be honest. Was it:
- Lack of accountability?
- Isolation and trying to do it alone?
- Pride that kept you from asking for help?
- Boredom and lack of real purpose?
- Unresolved pain you're medicating with destructive habits?
- Fear of failure that kept you from trying?
Relationships that pull you away from God instead of toward Him?
James 1:14-15 warns us: "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Know your threats. Name them. Plan for them. Because they're coming.
Written By: Mike Furmanski
