“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV
Over two years ago, I began a painting that will eventually hang above a bookcase in my office someday. The canvas is 48″ x 48″ – a bit large, but certainly not a two-year project. My art studio sits at the foot of the basement stairs. Each time I walk down those steps, I meet the glaring eyes of a half-formed painting that screams, “Finish Me!” I hurry past, guiltily looking away.
I admit, there’s more than one unfinished project in my artsy corner of the basement, but none nearly so huge and condemning as the painting. It’s easy to dismiss those small projects as inconsequential. The truth is, the consequences of never completing the large painting or any artistic projects are unimportant—in the long run, there is no eternal value.
However, when I consider Scripture and the importance God places on completing the task—finishing the work—that He entrusts to our care, as well as considering the cost, I realize those are projects of utmost importance with eternal consequences.
In Luke 14, Jesus explained the cost of following Him. He used an illustration of a man who decided to build a tower. The man started building without first considering the materials and manpower required to complete the project. Ultimately, the man was unable to complete the construction due to a lack of necessary resources. Everyone who saw the unfinished tower mocked the man’s foolish negligence and reckless approach to project planning (vs. 25-30).
“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? “Luke 14:28
Jesus was telling His listeners that following Him carried both costs and consequences.
When I read the account of King David’s thirty mighty men in 2 Samuel 23, I’m impressed by them all, but there are two stand-outs for me. One is named Eleazar, the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi, and the other is Shammah, the son of Agee the Haraite.
The Philistine army had gathered against Israel. The battle was fierce, and Israel’s army began to flee. Everyone ran away, except for Eleazar, who dug in, stood his ground, and fought for and with his king, until God gave the victory. During the battle, Eleazar held the hilt of his sword so tightly that he literally could not turn loose. What a way to finish a battle—becoming one with your weapon!
In a separate battle, Shammah refused to surrender or run when everyone else fled, but instead planted himself firmly in the middle of a lentil crop. “He took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory (2 Samuel 23:12).
Fighting in Israel’s army for their king and country, both Eleazar and Shammah understood the commitment and sacrifice that was necessary to secure Israel’s victory. Both men understood the ultimate price that could result if they faithfully carried out the job they had agreed to do. Both men were willing to stand alone to complete the tasks they had been given.
They counted the cost. Death was a real possibility—a strong likelihood even, if God did not intervene. They also knew the consequences of failure. They knew their cause was righteous. It was part of God’s plan for removing idolatry and wickedness from the land He had given His people, Israel. Regardless of the cost, Eleazar and Shammah were determined to complete the tasks they had each been given. Both were willing to die, rather than fail their king and not complete the jobs they had been given.
When I began the painting, I underestimated the amount of time it would take to complete the work. I also greatly underestimated the time I would have in my heavily committed schedule to devote to the painting. I doubt I even considered the consequences of not completing the work, because at worst, I still had the old painting that hung in the space. A painting half-completed is not a life or death issue.
But when it comes to the moments that call for obedience, such as the awkward conversations, uncomfortable encounters, and challenging opportunities to serve that God places in my hands or in yours, all are opportunities with costs and consequences—eternal consequences.
Friend, we must learn to serve and obey God with open hands and open hearts, clear-minded, and understanding the potential cost, yet with a will to surrender all to follow our LORD, knowing that eternal consequences are at stake. When we count the cost and move forward in obedience to complete the task that God has given us, we can be confident that God’s Holy Spirit is with us in the battle.
May we grow to the point that we can say with Paul, “Whatever the cost, it’s worth it as long as I finish the course that God has established for me.”
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 ESV