David Livingstone, the missionary hero to Africa, was asked by a missionary society if he knew of any easily-accessible roads to which some of their interns could travel.  They wanted to get a taste for mission life and desired to spend some time with Livingstone.  David Livingstone replied, “If you have men who will only come if there are good roads, I don’t want them.  I want men who will come even if there are no roads.”

     One may contend that Livingstone replied harshly to the missionary society, but I contend that Livingstone knew what it meant to count the cost. 

     We are living in a convenience-minded society. Oftentimes when something is too difficult or inconvenient we hesitate to move into action.  Too often we allow obstacles to hinder us from an opportunity.  The Lord teaches us to sit down and count the cost before we attempt anything for him.  Being his disciple involves problems, persecutions, and paths that are not cut down.

     We must be willing to go for God regardless of the convenience factor. Christ did not die a convenient death; we cannot assume a convenient life.