Have ye counted the cost, Have ye counted the cost,

Ye warriors of the Cross?

Are ye fixed in heart for your Master’s sake,

To suffer all earthly loss?

Can ye bear the scoff of the worldly-wise,

As ye pass by pleasure’s bower,

To watch with your Lord on the mountain-top,

Through the dreary midnight hour?

Ye may drink of His cup, Ye may drink of His cup,

And in His baptism share!

Ye shall not fail, if ye tread in His steps

His blood-stained Cross to bear.

But count ye the cost; O count ye the cost?

That ye be not unprepared!

And know ye the strength that alone can stand

In the conflict ye have dared!

In the power of His might, In the power of His might

Who was made through weakness strong,

ye shall overcome in the fearful fight, And sing His vict’ry song!

By the blood of the Lamb, by the blood of the Lamb

By the faithful witness Word,

Not loving your lives unto death for Him,

Ye shall triumph with your Lord!

O the banner of love! O the banner of love!

It will cost you a pang to hold!

But ’twill float in triumph the field above,

Though your heart’s blood stain its fold.

Ye may count the cost, ye may count the cost

Of all Egyptia’s treasure!

But the riches of Christ ye cannot count;

His love ye cannot measure.

Though older words this hymn well reflects a number of Biblical themes – counting the cost, taking up your cross daily, valuing Christ over the world, preparing for suffering, fighting the good fight, God’s strength manifest in weakness, remaining faithful, honouring Christ in all you do. In Hebrews 11, Moses is described as making a choice. There are pleasures of sin – no doubt – ….. “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a shortime. Sin’s pleasures are short-lived, its consequences may last a lifetime. Lord help us to make godly wise choices in our daily activities today.