Checking the Price Tag

I'm often accused of being overly analytical. Whether you share this quality with me to the same extent or not, chances are you've learned to count the cost of major decisions before you make them. Have you ever bought a car without knowing about how many miles per gallon you could expect to receive? When is the last time you bought a pair of clothes without first checking the price tag? Maybe you simply bite your tongue on days when your boss is in a bad mood, knowing that speaking your mind would not be worth the loss of your job. You may not always recognize the detailed thought process that goes on behind the scenes, but chances are you are far more analytical than you think.

And according to Jesus, this is a good thing.

As we see in today's Scripture, a wise man knows that the first step to building a tower is not pouring the foundation; it's counting the cost of the project. How much material will be needed? How many crews will be employed, and for how long? Can the work be completed within a reasonable timeframe? The answers to these questions are what will determine whether or not proceeding is a wise choice, and whether or not the expense is even affordable.

I believe this same principle applies to Scripture memorization, as it is one of the most significant commitments you are likely to make as a Christian. Consider the benefits as well as the costs of systematically hiding God's Word in your heart. Are the rewards of joy, peace and spiritual strength (just to name a few) worth 10-15 minutes per day of your time? If the answer seems unclear, try turning the question around. Is sacrificing the potential for these spiritual rewards worth a few more minutes to spend on other things?

Scripture memorization is very much an investment of time, but like all good investments, it usually requires a period of waiting before we are able to reap what we've sown. Unfortunately, many people who are unaware of this principle become discouraged in their memory work and stop not long after they start. They memorize a handful of verses, maybe even a whole chapter or two, and expect immediate and dramatic results. Then, just as in the parable of the sower, this disappointment gives way to the thorns of worldly distraction that "choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:19)

Have you taken the time to thoughtfully consider the costs and benefits of memorizing Scripture? If not, take this opportunity to make a list of what your commitment to this discipline will cost you, as well as everything you hope to gain from it (a list of helpful Scriptures can be found at the bottom of this post). If done properly, you should notice that the eternal rewards far outweigh the immediate costs, making Scripture memorization one of the best investments you'll ever have the opportunity to make.

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Josh. 1:8; Gal. 6:7; Ps. 119:9; Ps. 19:7-8; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 4:12