“We can afford that,” Keith said when I asked him about possibly having to re-drill the wells for our geothermal system. Afford as in bearing the cost. With the drought, one of the wells seems to have gone dry. 

The deep well that provides water to the house is at the bottom of the ravine below; we’ve never run out of water, even in the driest of times. But the two geothermal wells were drilled at the higher elevation, out from the garage at the driveway pullout above the ravine. The closed-loop pipes that feed into the garage utility room are buried in the hill above the driveway.

Keith continued, “What we cannot afford is equipment that doesn’t heat or cool efficiently.” Afford as in counting the cost. More to the point—especially when it comes to faith—we cannot to afford to live without God’s afford, He who gives forth naturally from His creation and provides protection and helpers.

What we can afford

But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. Leviticus 5:7 ESV

God knew that not all of the Israelites could afford the required sin offerings. So, He made a fair way for poor people to afford substitutes in asking for forgiveness. This we learn from Leviticus 5:7, which also tells us about God’s nature: He is fair. Every person in the community matters to Him, regardless of the amount of money they have. 

We can mirror God’s fairness in our offerings, doing what we can afford to do for others. For instance, during fellowship time between church and Bible study or Sunday School, we enjoy treats provided by members of the congregation. Cookies, brownies, coffee cakes, sweet breads, cupcakes, crackers and cheese, fruit, and the like. 

Because some people need gluten free, I often bake goods accordingly. But gluten free flour is expensive, as are the rest of the provisions. Not everyone can afford more than their weekly groceries. Thanks be to God, Keith and I are among those who can. We sign up when there are several open spots—summer vacation time, for instance—while making sure others have the opportunity to share in the giving. 

What we cannot afford

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 ESV

From the picture, you might have noticed that I didn’t sign up for next Sunday, even though that spot was blank. I have a commitment on Saturday, which means I cannot afford the hours it will take to bake for Sunday morning. Time – the cost I must count before signing up, so I can finish the job without compromising other commitments, to rest and to Keith. Although I love the feeling of helping others, I must acknowledge trade-offs of time for myself and my intimate relationships. Priorities: Mission third, Family second, Faith first.

In Luke 14:28, Jesus admonishes his followers to think carefully before they commit to a life of faith. His free food and miracles are very attractive, but faith is not an easy path. There are sacrifices, not just financial or time but personal. Count the cost, He says, be realistic about this choice and the hard times that will come. Being a follower of Jesus means putting Him above all else, including your family and your life. 

That said, our relationship with God is one we absolutely cannot afford to lose. As Martin Luther stated when facing Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason… I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.” He could not afford to risk his relationship with God, the provisions, protections, and promises He affords. 

And neither can we.

God’s afford

For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11 ESV

God’s afford has little to do with finances or cost, because His afford is about giving forth, providing opportunity, making available. God affords the sun to warm the earth, rain for water, and both to feed us, like Jesus feeding the 5,000. 

Isaiah 61:11 states that God will surely make righteousness and praise grow for all the world to see. Here the metaphors point to natural growth, the earth and garden. God’s afford cannot be stopped, including the growth in His people, the broken or hurt, all the nations, the entire world, everyone. Doxology: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. 

God’s afford of growth can take time. Months of rain and sun before harvest, years of prayer. Yet we are assured of His promise to bring justice and joy. 

Perhaps His afford will replenish water to our geothermal well, so Keith and I will be able to afford the cost of Kingdom-building projects for others. Mirroring Jesus, feeding the hungry, providing food for fellowship.

Digging deeper wells.

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