A wise businessman once remarked that it is a waste of time and manpower for those in charge of making decisions to try to decide before they have accumulated the necessary data. In order to eliminate waste, we need to be informed about all factors involved in our decisions. The book of Luke states that a wise man will sit down and count the cost before he begins building a tower (Luke 14:28-30). Counting the cost involves becoming fully aware of one’s resources and all pertinent factors involved in moving forward with a project.

This point of wisdom seems so obvious that we do not mention it often. Yet, being human, our emotions, initial excitement and enthusiasm about a project can cloud our judgment. It is easy to brush critical factors aside for another day or time. Such an attitude has been the formula for trouble and disaster for many. Develop a sharp, keen ability to gather the facts, and your efforts will be rewarded.